Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 9: Amid the political row over Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi’s praise of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that while many believe the grave should be removed, any action will be taken in accordance with the law.

Fadnavis noted that Aurangzeb’s tomb, located in Khuldabad, was granted protected status under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) during the Congress government and remains under its jurisdiction.

His statement follows calls from BJP leaders like Navneet Rana and Nitesh Rane demanding the demolition of the tomb, citing Aurangzeb’s historical persecution of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj.

The controversy intensified after Azmi’s comments portraying Aurangzeb as a powerful ruler rather than a tyrant. Facing backlash, Azmi later expressed regret if his remarks had hurt public sentiments.

Chhatrapati Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Shivaji Maharaj, also demanded the tomb’s removal, asserting that glorification of Aurangzeb would not be tolerated.

The issue resurfaced amid heightened emotions following the release of Chhava, a film depicting the life and sacrifice of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, who was executed under Aurangzeb’s orders.