Shiv Sena Hits At 'Secular' Congress For Opposing Renaming Of Aurangabad, Quips 'Will Affect Vote Bank'

"No trace of Aurangzeb should be kept, at least in Maharashtra" editorial in Shiv Sena mouthpiece 'Saamna' stated while attacking Congress in the issue of renaming Aurangabad as Sambhajinagar.

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Mumbai: Through its mouthpiece, Shiv Sena has now taken a direct jibe at its ally Congress for opposing the renaming Aurangabad as Sambhajinagar, attacking it for being “secular”.

In an editorial ‘Saamana’, Shiv Sena remarked that the renaming of Aurangabad could affect the vote bank of "secular parties" as it is likely to upset the Muslim community.

“India's constitution was secular... Aurangzeb had a strong hatred for other religions. He tortured Sikhs and Hindus. Why should we pay attention to their relics? Who was Aurangzeb? At least Maharashtra does not need to explain this... Therefore, there is no reason for a true Marathi and hardcore Hindu person to have an attachment to Aurangzeb,” the article read.

“A political controversy has erupted over renaming of 'Aurangabad' to Sambhajinagar in the official documents of Marathwada. Secular parties like the Congress are not in favour to rename Aurangabad as Sambhajinagar. The renaming of Aurangabad will upset the Muslim society, that is, the minority and will affect the vote bank, which means that its secular image will be questioned,” it read as quoted by news agency ANI.

The editorial emphasised that a large section of people in Maharashtra are in favour of the name change.

"Does naming Aurangabad resolve the problem of people's development? Those opposing the change of name are raising such an issue. It will be anything; however, no trace of Aurangzeb should be kept, at least in Maharashtra. There is a large section of people who are in favour of this," it said.

Recalling the events popularly associated with the place, it added that “on the orders of Aurangzeb, Raja Sambhaji of Maharashtra was tortured and killed by Mughal chieftains and his dismembered body was thrown into an abandoned condition on the road near Pune”.

The column advised the opposers to read history properly as it read, "Aurangzeb was never 'secular'. He wanted to expand the empire based on Islam... There cannot be a single city in Maharashtra in the name of such an Aurangzeb... Call it the pride of Maharashtra, otherwise, the history is known but if such an Aurangzeb is loved by someone, then prostrate him from the corner! This behaviour is not 'secular'!".

The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra includes Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Congress. Recently, MP Sanjay Raut’s column had stirred controversy as he accused the centre of destablising state governments. His India will break up like the Soviet Union comment did not sit too well with many including Congress’ Sanjay Nirupam.

When asked about the matter raised over Congress' opposition to the name change, Raut said: "I don't know. Maharashtra CM has clearly said that for us, it is Sambhajinagar and will remain so. It's a matter of people's feelings, so we can discuss it but the decision has been taken".

(With Agency Inputs)