Raj Thackeray warns against ‘communal provocation’ over Aurangzeb tomb row

In light of calls for the elimination of Aurangzeb’s mausoleum, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray on Sunday, called on the public to “stop learning history through WhatsApp” and consult reliable sources.

During his rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, he criticized those calling for the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb from Maharashtra, stating that such individuals are attempting to provoke communal discord, NDTV reported.

Criticizing those who began calling for the tomb’s removal following actor Vicky Kaushal’s film Chhava,  Thackeray said, “Hindus who feel awakened after a movie are of no use. Did you learn about Sambhaji Maharaj’s sacrifice because of Vicky Kaushal and Aurangzeb because of Akshaye Khanna?”

 “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 delve into history books,” he said.

  “We are not concerned about water bodies and trees, but we are worried about Aurangzeb’s tomb?” he said, as quoted by India Today. He further added, “People are being made to fight in the name of history, and politicians exploit these issues to fuel conflict.”

“Religion should remain within the four walls of your home. A Hindu identifies as a Hindu only when Muslims take to the streets or during riots; otherwise, Hindus are divided by caste,” Thackeray said.

Thackeray also mentioned, among other topics, the promises made by the state government, claiming that the BJP-led administration would discontinue the ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin’ initiative. The government had committed to raising the support under the program from ₹1,500 to ₹2,100, but this has not occurred so far.

Meanwhile, amid local languages and Hindi imposition debate, Thackeray emphasised the need to make Marathi mandatory for official purposes. “If you live here and don’t speak the language, you will be dealt with appropriately,” he said.