'Won't allow Aurangzeb's glorification, but...': Devendra Fadnavis amid row over Mughal ruler's tomb in Maharashtra

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has cited the protected monument status granted by the ASI to Aurangzeb's tomb as the reason behind the government's inability to "remove" it. (File Photo)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said the state government will protect Aurangzeb's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar but will not allow the Mughal emperor's glorification.

Addressing a gathering earlier today, Fadnavis referred to Aurangzeb as a "cruel invader" who converted Hindus and destroyed several temples across Maharashtra. However, he pointed out that the Archaeological Survey of India had given the Mughal ruler's tomb located in the state a protected monument 50 years ago, making it imperative for his government to ensure its safety.

"Aurangzeb was a cruel invader who cannot be glorified. Let me make it clear that come what may, this government will not allow the glorification of Aurangzeb or his tomb. The ASI declared it a protected monument 50 years ago. This, unfortunately, makes it the government's obligation to ensure its safety," Fadnavis said, adding that anyone who tries to glorify Aurangzeb will be dealt with a firm hand.

The chief minister's remarks came amid protests by Hindu outfits like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Bajrang Dal who have also demanded that the Mughal ruler's structure be removed by the state government, and threatened a "Babri Masjid-like fate" of the structure if their demand was not met.

Last week, Fadnavis had backed calls for the removal of the structure from Samhajinagar, formerly Aurangabad, but cited the ASI's 'protected monument' status accorded to it by the ASI. He as responding to a letter by BJP Member of Parliament Udayanraje Bhosale who had sought the removal of the grave from the district.

"We all believe the same but something needs to be done by law as it is a protected monument. The previous Congress government has got it protected under the ASI," the chief minister had then said.

On Sunday, Congress party's newly appointed state unit chief Harshvardhan Sapkal stirred a controversy by equating the rule of Fadnavis in Maharashtra to that of Aurangzeb.

"Aurangzeb was a cruel ruler. Aurangzeb put his own father in jail. Also, Aurangzeb always took the help of religion. Today, Devendra Fadnavis is equally cruel. He always takes the help of religion. Therefore, the administration of Aurangzeb and Devendra Fadnavis is the same," he said.

The controversy over Aurangzeb began last month with Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi referring to the Mughal emperor as a good administrator who was wrongly portrayed in history. Police cases have been filed against him and Azmi has secured advance bail from a Mumbai court in case of his arrest.