RSS Leader Sunil Ambekar on Aurangzeb’s Relevance and Tomb Issue
Aurangzeb Not Relevant Today, But Tomb Issue Persists
On Wednesday, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) national publicity chief Sunil Ambekar stated that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb is “not relevant” today, as reported by ANI. Ambekar made this comment in response to a reporter’s question about the recent clashes in Nagpur, Maharashtra, and the demand to move Aurangzeb’s tomb.
Nagpur Clashes
The violence in Nagpur erupted on Monday night following a protest by Hindutva groups demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb located in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. Ambekar condemned the violence, saying it was not good for society and that the police were investigating the matter.
End Glorification of Aurangzeb
In an interview with The Times of India, Ambekar clarified that the glorification of Aurangzeb should cease, but the tomb issue remains significant. He emphasized that Aurangzeb himself is not relevant today.
RSS and BJP Connection
The RSS is the parent organization of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Nagpur Violence
The violence in Nagpur began on Monday at 7:30 pm in Chitnis Park. Stones were thrown at the police amid rumors that a cloth with the Islamic declaration of faith, known as the Kalma, had been burned during an agitation by a Hindutva group in the late afternoon.
Prohibitory Orders Imposed
Hindutva Groups’ Campaign
The violence occurred amid Hindutva groups, including the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, intensifying their campaign to demand the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, claiming that the structure is a “symbol of pain and slavery”. The two groups held protests in several cities of Maharashtra on Monday.
Ministers Should Show Restraint: Fadnavis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asked his ministerial colleagues to practice restraint and ensure that their statements do not spark animosity in society. Fadnavis was responding to a question about ministers making remarks against a particular community.
- Fadnavis emphasized that as ministers, they have a certain role to play and need to exercise control.
- He referenced former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s mention of Raj Dharma, the ruler’s duty, and the responsibility of not doing injustice to any person.
On March 10, Fadnavis had supported the demand by Hindutva groups to remove Aurangzeb’s tomb but said that the action would have to be carried out within the ambit of the law as the site is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
On Monday, Fadnavis said that the government was obligated to protect the tomb, which is a protected site, but it will not allow attempts to glorify Aurangzeb’s legacy. The preservation of the site is a matter of historical record rather than reverence, the chief minister said.
