MNS Chief Raj Thackeray Condemns Communal Tensions Over Aurangzeb’s Tomb: 'Stop Reading History On WhatsApp'

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday denounced attempts to incite communal tensions over Aurangzeb's tomb, urging people to turn to books rather than WhatsApp for learning history.

"Don't we want to let the world know that these people sought to destroy the Marathas but were wiped out instead? Stop reading history on WhatsApp and rather delve into history books," he said while addressing his annual Gudhi Padwa rally in Mumbai.

Referring to the recently released 'Chhaava' film, he questioned, "We have forgotten the real issues of the present time. Hindus who feel awakened after a movie are of no use. Did you learn about Sambhaji Maharaj's sacrifice because of Vicky Kaushal and about Aurangzeb because of Akshaye Khanna?"

Thackeray highlighted historical context by noting that Afzal Khan, the Bijapur general, was buried near Pratapgad Fort with Shivaji Maharaj's permission. His remarks follow demands from right-wing groups to remove Aurangzeb's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, a controversy that recently led to violent protests in Nagpur.

He pointed out that Aurangzeb was born in Dahod, Gujarat, and criticised those who distort history for political purposes. Stressing that a nation cannot progress based purely on religion, he cited Turkey as an example of successful reform and modernisation.

The controversy was sparked when Maharashtra minister Shambhuraj Desai announced that his ruling Shiv Sena party had urged the Union government to revoke the 'protected monument' status of Aurangzeb's tomb in Khultabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.