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.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has weighed in on the ongoing language debate, emphasizing that languages should not be a source of hatred but a tool for communication. Addressing the matter, he underscored the importance of Hindi and English, highlighting their roles in national and international discourse.

“Hindi is the national language. English is the international language,” said Naidu, acknowledging that Indians are increasingly migrating to different countries for work and education.

Reiterating the importance of multilingual proficiency, Naidu stated, “For livelihood, we will learn any number of languages. We won’t forget our mother tongue. Language is only for communication. It is best to learn maximum languages, let us remember.”

His comments come amid a heated debate on language politics, particularly in states where the imposition of Hindi has faced opposition. While some regional parties have strongly resisted Hindi’s dominance, Naidu’s stance reflects a more balanced approach, advocating for linguistic harmony and practical communication.

His remarks particularly resonate in Delhi, where a diverse population speaks multiple languages, but Hindi serves as a common medium of communication.

Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Union Minister Debendra Pradhan passed away on Monday at the age of 84. He was a key political figure in Odisha and served in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government.

The late leader, father of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, breathed his last in New Delhi. His demise marks the end of a significant political journey that saw him serve as Odisha BJP president and a Union Minister for Transport and Agriculture from 1999 to 2001.

Tributes pour in for the veteran leader

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over Pradhan’s passing, calling him a “popular public leader and an able parliamentarian.” He highlighted the leader’s contributions to welfare initiatives, adding, “He dedicated his entire life for the development of the state with a spirit of service and determination.”

Majhi further stated that the country and Odisha had lost a “distinguished public servant.” The Chief Minister also reached out to Dharmendra Pradhan to offer his condolences.

Legacy of an influential political figure

Leader of Opposition in the Odisha assembly, Naveen Patnaik, acknowledged Debendra Pradhan’s strong political influence and organisational abilities. “The state has lost an influential political figure and popular politician in the demise of Dr Pradhan,” he remarked.

Pradhan’s political career was marked by his deep connection with the people and his relentless efforts for Odisha’s progress. His tenure as a Union Minister was widely noted for his efficiency and commitment.

His passing leaves a void in the political landscape of Odisha and beyond, with leaders across party lines mourning his demise.