Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced in the Maharashtra assembly on Monday that the state government will safeguard the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb located in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar; however, he asserted that the glorification of the emperor will not be permitted despite repeated calls from BJP members to remove the grave.

“We will protect Aurangzeb’s tomb, but we will not allow the glorification of his legacy. The temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be celebrated, not Aurangzeb’s grave. It is regrettable that we must protect Aurangzeb’s tomb, which has been a protected site by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for 50 years. Consequently, both the Central and state governments are obliged to safeguard it. Although Aurangzeb was responsible for the deaths of thousands of our people, we have to protect this grave. However, I assure you that I will not tolerate any efforts to glorify him. I will put an end to any notion that seeks to honor Aurangzeb,” stated Fadnavis.

On March 10, Fadnavis had previously suggested that the government explore legal options to remove Aurangzeb’s grave, responding to a request from BJP MLAs.

The dispute surrounding Aurangzeb reignited in February after Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abu Azmi praised the emperor, leading to his suspension from the Maharashtra assembly until the conclusion of the budget session as criticism mounted from various party members.

Following the uproar, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut accused Fadnavis of instigating the Aurangzeb controversy as a diversion from the Dhananjay Munde issue, which was in the public eye at the time. “In the Legislative Assembly, the Fadnavis government was under pressure over Dhananjay Munde. Consequently, the BJP directed Abu Azmi to make a statement to create drama. Both Abu Azmi and Owaisi often resort to such tactics,” Raut claimed, suggesting that Fadnavis was leveraging the popularity of the recent Hindi film ‘Chhaava,’ which depicted Aurangzeb’s atrocities.

Currently, organizations such as Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad have submitted a memorandum to the state government urging immediate legal action for the removal of the grave, warning of impending “karseva” and statewide protests if their demands are not fulfilled. BJP MP Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj, has also called for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra state Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal criticized the Fadnavis government for “distracting from significant issues.” “Will the farmers’ issues be resolved by removing Aurangzeb’s grave? Will employment be generated by debating Aurangzeb’s tomb? Certain ministers are inciting people; they rose to power by pledging loyalty to the Constitution. The history of Shivaji Maharaj is intertwined with this tomb. When history is recalled in the future, this tomb will inevitably be mentioned alongside Shivaji Maharaj’s name. Thus, everything connected to Shivaji Maharaj should be preserved,” Sapkal emphasized.

Earlier on Sunday, Sapkal accused Fadnavis of being “as cruel” as the Mughal emperor himself. “Aurangzeb was known for his tyranny; he imprisoned his own father and wielded his religious power. Today, Devendra Fadnavis exhibits similar cruelty and uses religion for gain. Therefore, the administrations of Aurangzeb and Devendra Fadnavis are alike,” Sapkal stated, eliciting a response from the BJP that labeled his remarks as “extremely childish.”