Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Backs Calls To 'Remove' Aurangzeb’s Tomb

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed support for calls to remove Mughal King Aurangzeb's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

However, he stressed that any such action must be carried out within the legal framework, as the site is protected under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

"We all want the same thing, but it must be done within the framework of the law, as it is a protected site. The site was placed under ASI protection during the Congress regime some years ago," Fadnavis stated in Mumbai on Saturday.

His remarks were in response to a statement by BJP MP from Satara, Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who had called for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.

The demand follows a recent controversy sparked by Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi, who praised Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, claiming he had built temples and was not a cruel ruler.

In addition to Bhosale, BJP leader and former MP Navneet Rana also demanded the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb while criticising Azmi for his remarks in support of the Mughal emperor.

Azmi was suspended from the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly last week until the conclusion of the budget session on 26 March due to his comments praising Aurangzeb.