"Owaisi, listen to me - even a dog will not urinate on Aurangzeb's identity" - this statement by the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra has caused a huge nationwide controversy. BJP's Devendra Fadnavis has found support in some quarters, and faced flak from others.
The statement was made in reaction to AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi visiting the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Fadnavis had said, "Asaduddin Owaisi visited Aurangzeb's grave and paid tribute. And all you did was watch. You should be ashamed of yourself. You should drown in a handful of water. Owaisi, listen to me - even a dog will not urinate on Aurangzeb's identity. Saffron flags will wave across India."
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The Mayor of Srinagar, Junaid Mattu fired a veiled criticism at Fadnavis, saying, "May Allah (SWT)’s mercy and blessings be upon Hafiz-e-Quran, Shahenshah Hazrat Muhi-ud-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb (R.A.) and his grave."
Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar had also criticised Owaisi.
He had said, "These people know the history of Maharashtra and India. What Aurangzeb did in his era is also known. It is not right for someone from outside Maharashtra to come to the state and create a new issue."
The Shiv Sena also objected to Owaisi's actions, calling it a bid to stoke communal tension in Maharashtra.
The NCP, Shiv Sena, and Congress are in power in Maharashta.