Maharashtra CM Supports Call to Remove Aurangzeb’s Tomb, Citing Legal Hurdles

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledges widespread support for the removal of the Mughal emperor's protected tomb but emphasizes adherence to legal processes.

• Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed support for removing Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, formerly Aurangabad, but stressed the need to follow legal procedures due to its protected status under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
• Right-wing groups, including the Hindu Janjagruti Samiti, have been campaigning for the tomb's destruction, arguing that the government prioritizes its upkeep over Maratha historical sites like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's temple in Sindhudurg Fort.
• The tomb, part of a larger necropolis, was granted protected status during the Congress-led government, complicating any efforts to delist or demolish it.
• Historians and archaeologists have voiced opposition to the demolition, highlighting the importance of preserving historical monuments as representations of India’s complex past.
• The controversy has intensified following recent political statements and cultural portrayals of Aurangzeb, with some BJP leaders advocating for immediate action while others emphasize the need for legal compliance.

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