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Devendra Fadnavis says he will protect Aurangzeb’s grave, but won’t allow its glorification

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says Aurangzeb’s grave will be protected under ASI rules but warns against glorification.

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1 year ago

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Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has asserted that while the state government will protect Aurangzeb’s grave in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, it will not permit any glorification of the Mughal ruler. His remarks came in response to demands from fringe outfits calling for the removal of the protected site.

Fadnavis takes a firm stance

Speaking in the state legislative assembly, Mr. Fadnavis stated, “We will protect Aurangzeb’s grave but not allow his or the site’s glorification. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s temple will be glorified, not Aurangzeb’s grave.”

Aurangzeb is remembered in Maharashtra for his prolonged conflicts with the Marathas. His forces captured and executed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s son, Sambhaji. The CM acknowledged the historical sensitivities surrounding the issue, adding that although the site is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the state would not allow any attempts to celebrate Aurangzeb.

“It is unfortunate that we have to protect Aurangzeb’s tomb, but since it was declared a protected site by ASI 50 years ago, it is our responsibility. However, glorification of Aurangzeb will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Mr. Fadnavis reiterated.

Protests and calls for removal

The debate over the grave’s existence has escalated, with organizations like Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad pressing for its removal. They have warned of large-scale protests and karseva if the government does not act. BJP’s Satara MP, Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Shivaji Maharaj, has also voiced support for the demand.

Previously, Mr. Fadnavis had acknowledged the demand but stated that any legal action must be taken within constitutional limits, as the site was granted protected status during a previous Congress-led government.

Controversy over Abu Azmi’s remarks

The controversy was further fueled last month when Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abu Azmi praised Aurangzeb, calling him a “good administrator” and stating that India was known as “Sone ki Chidiya” during his reign. His remarks led to his suspension from the legislative assembly until the end of the budget session. Facing backlash, Mr. Azmi later claimed his comments were misinterpreted but maintained that his statements were based on historical records.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde demanded a sedition case against Mr. Azmi, calling his comments “a great sin”. He further accused Mr. Azmi of deliberately disrespecting Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj.

Opposition and political reactions

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Uddhav Thackeray criticized Abu Azmi’s remarks and slammed Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav for supporting him. In response, Mr. Yadav questioned the rationale behind Mr. Azmi’s suspension, arguing that ideological biases were influencing democratic decisions.

State Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal accused the BJP-led government of diverting attention from pressing issues such as unemployment and farmers’ distress. He argued that removing Aurangzeb’s tomb would not address these concerns.

On Sunday, Mr. Sapkal compared CM Fadnavis to Aurangzeb, stating that both used religion to further their rule. The BJP dismissed his remarks as “childish”.

As the debate continues, the Maharashtra government remains firm on protecting the tomb while preventing any form of glorification.

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Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth appointed next Army chief, to take charge on June 30

The government has appointed Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, currently the Vice Chief of Army Staff, as the next Army chief. He will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi on June 30.

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June 13, 2026

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The Centre has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), paving the way for a leadership transition in the Indian Army later this month. Lt Gen Seth, who currently serves as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi upon the latter’s retirement on June 30, 2026.

The appointment was announced on Saturday, with the government confirming that Lt Gen Seth will assume office from the afternoon of June 30. He will take over command after General Dwivedi completes his tenure as the Army’s 30th chief.

Veteran Armoured Corps officer

An officer of the Armoured Corps, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Indian Army in December 1986 after graduating from the National Defence Academy. Over nearly four decades of service, he has held a range of operational, command, staff and strategic appointments across the Army.

Before becoming Vice Chief on April 1, 2026, he served in several senior leadership roles, including heading the Southern Command and South Western Command. He has also commanded formations such as the Delhi Area and the XXI Corps during his military career.

Leadership transition in the Army

Lt Gen Seth’s elevation comes as the Army prepares for a change of command at the highest level. His appointment follows his move to Army Headquarters as Vice Chief earlier this year, a role he assumed on April 1.

The Ministry of Defence said the incoming Army chief brings extensive experience from command, operational and strategic assignments across diverse military domains.

With the appointment, Lt Gen Seth is set to lead the Indian Army through the next phase of its modernisation and operational preparedness efforts after taking charge at the end of the month.

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IAF AN-32 aircraft crashes while landing at Assam’s Jorhat airbase, five personnel killed

Five Indian Air Force personnel were killed after an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while landing at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam. The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry into the accident.

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June 13, 2026

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An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of five Air Force personnel. The accident occurred during a routine sortie and triggered an emergency response at the airbase.

According to the IAF, the aircraft met with the accident during the landing phase at Jorhat. The force later confirmed the loss of five personnel and expressed condolences to their families. A court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.

Court of inquiry ordered

The Indian Air Force said a formal investigation will examine the cause of the accident. Officials have not yet disclosed what may have led to the crash, and the inquiry is expected to review technical, operational and environmental factors.

Reports indicated that the co-pilot survived the accident and is undergoing medical treatment.

Personnel who lost their lives

The IAF identified the five personnel killed in the accident as:

  • Squadron Leader Prashant Singh
  • Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar
  • Sergeant Jitendra Sharma
  • Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat
  • Agniveervayu Danish Alam

The Air Force said it stands with the bereaved families during this difficult time.

AN-32’s role in the Air Force

The AN-32 is a twin-engine transport aircraft that has been a key part of the Indian Air Force’s logistics operations for decades. It is widely used to transport personnel, equipment and supplies, particularly in remote and high-altitude regions. India remains one of the largest operators of the aircraft type.

The crash comes months after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft accident in Assam that claimed the lives of two IAF pilots.

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Delhi records coolest day of June so far as rain and thunderstorms bring relief from heat

Delhi recorded its coolest day of June after rain and thunderstorms caused a sharp drop in temperatures. IMD has forecast more showers and gusty winds before temperatures begin rising again.

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2 days ago

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June 13, 2026

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Delhi weather today

Delhi witnessed its coolest day of June so far after widespread rain and thunderstorm activity caused temperatures to drop significantly across the national capital. The change in weather provided much-needed relief from the intense summer heat that had gripped the region in recent weeks.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rain and thunderstorms over the past 24 hours brought a noticeable decline in both maximum and minimum temperatures. Official weather observations showed that Delhi’s maximum temperatures fell well below normal levels, while several areas experienced strong winds and rainfall.

More rain and thunderstorms likely

The IMD has forecast additional thunderstorms, light to moderate rain and gusty winds for Delhi and nearby areas through Saturday. A yellow alert remains in place, with weather conditions expected to stay unsettled before gradually improving.

Weather experts have attributed the recent change to the influence of a western disturbance and associated weather systems affecting northwestern India. While the disturbance is gradually moving away, its impact is expected to continue for a short period.

Temperatures may rise again next week

Meteorologists expect the pleasant conditions to last for another couple of days. After that, temperatures are likely to begin rising again as rainfall activity decreases. The IMD’s latest forecast also indicates a gradual increase in temperatures by the middle of next week.

Recent weather systems have brought relief not only to Delhi but also to parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and other northern states, where thunderstorms and rain have helped ease heatwave conditions.

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