Aurangzeb Controversy: Political Clashes Over Maharashtra's Historical Legacy & Hindutva | ABP NEWS

The controversy surrounding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Maharashtra continues to intensify, with political figures and Hindu organizations voicing strong opinions. Recently, Krishna Hegde, spokesperson for Shiv Sena’s Shinde faction, addressed the issue in a heated discussion. He criticized the comparison of Hindu organizations calling for the tomb’s removal to the "Hindu Taliban," a term coined by Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena. Hegde expressed his frustration with these new narratives, claiming that the historical significance of figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha Empire is being undermined by such comparisons. According to Hegde, the tomb of Aurangzeb, a symbol of a conqueror who caused immense suffering in the region, should not be celebrated in Maharashtra. He emphasized that the history of the Marathas and their valiant resistance against foreign invaders should remain intact, and any attempts to erase or misinterpret it should be resisted. Political opponents, especially within the Shiv Sena Uddhav faction, argue that the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj and the Marathas is not just about fighting invaders, but about preserving the region's cultural integrity. They claim the current discourse is being manipulated for political gain and is not in line with the true values of Hindutva.