NEW DELHI : Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde sparked a fresh controversy in the state legislative council on Tuesday by drawing a comparison between Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb and the U.S. military’s sea burial of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. His remarks came in response to demands for the tomb’s preservation, amid rising tensions following violent clashes in Nagpur over the issue.
Clashes Erupt Over Tomb Dispute
Tensions flared in Nagpur’s Mahal locality on Monday night after reports emerged that a sacred scripture had been desecrated during a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) demonstration. The protest, part of a broader movement by right-wing organizations advocating for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, quickly descended into chaos as agitators pelted stones at security forces. Authorities are investigating whether the violence was orchestrated, with Shinde calling for calm and order.
Shinde’s Sharp Critique of Aurangzeb
Addressing the legislative council during an intense debate on the unrest, Shinde questioned the justification for commemorating Aurangzeb. “Why are we even discussing Aurangzeb’s legacy? He was an oppressor, not a figure to be celebrated,” he declared, citing the emperor’s execution of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje, who refused to convert to Islam.
In a striking analogy, Shinde pointed to the U.S. government’s 2011 decision to bury Osama bin Laden at sea, ensuring his final resting place would not become a site of veneration. “America made sure Osama had no tomb to glorify. Why should Aurangzeb be treated any differently?” he argued, subtly endorsing calls for the monument’s removal.
Political Firestorm Follows
Shinde also took aim at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab, who had accused him of defecting from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance under duress from central investigative agencies. Rejecting the allegation, Shinde countered, “Did [Deputy CM] Devendra Fadnavis ever persecute anyone the way Aurangzeb did? If you think you’ve been wronged, say it clearly.”
The fiery debate underscores the deepening political rift in Maharashtra, where history, governance, and ideological battles continue to shape the state’s political landscape.
