Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed support for calls to remove the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, located in Khuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, but emphasized the need for a lawful approach.
The tomb is currently under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), a status conferred during the tenure of a previous Congress government.
Chief Minister Fadnavis remarked, "While many share the sentiment for removal, it is essential to respect the legal framework as the site is a protected heritage under ASI's jurisdiction."
The issue has gained momentum following comments by BJP's Satara MP, Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Bhosale urged for the tomb to be demolished, labeling Aurangzeb as a "thief and robber" and suggesting that those wishing to honor Aurangzeb should relocate the tomb to their homes.
Further into the controversy, BJP leader Navneet Rana has demanded the tomb's demolition, paralleling the recent renaming of Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
The debate intensified after Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi's remarks praising Aurangzeb, describing him as a proficient administrator.
Azmi, who was suspended from the Maharashtra legislative assembly's budget session, claimed Aurangzeb had been misrepresented in history and highlighted India's economic status during his rule.
His comments received backlash, particularly in light of the film 'Chhaava,' portraying the persecution of Sambhaji Maharaj. Despite retracting his statement, Azmi faces legal action, with Fadnavis insisting on his imprisonment.
Aurangzeb's burial site lies in Khuldabad, approximately 25 kilometers from Aurangabad. Per his wishes, he rests near the tomb of his spiritual guide, Sufi saint Syed Zainuddin, in a modest, open-air grave.
Such simplicity contrasted with the later addition of a marble grille, installed by the Nizam of Hyderabad at the behest of Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India.