Raze Aurangzeb’s tomb, end glorification: BJP MP Bhosale, descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Pune: In a controversial statement, Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has demanded the demolition of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly known as Aurangabad).
“What is the need for the tomb? Bring in a JCB machine and raze the tomb. Aurangzeb was a thief,” Udayanraje was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
The BJP MP further fueled the fire by questioning those who visit the tomb, saying, "He (Aurangzeb) was a thief, and he came for the purpose of looting. Why should he be glorified? Those who visit his tomb to pray should take it to their homes. Are they his descendants?"
In an attempt to clarify his stance, Udayanraje added that his remarks were not meant to be a Hindu-Muslim issue. “In Shivaji Maharaj’s empire, Muslims held significant positions, both in the army and in other services. He never discriminated against them. Even Shivaji Maharaj’s bodyguards were Muslims,” he explained.
Further amplifying his call for action, the royal descendant demanded the creation of a law to protect the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, proposing that both the state and central governments should take steps to make a law against those who make derogatory statements against national icons, added IE.
He also said that the government should publish an official book on the life and times of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to ensure an accurate portrayal of his history and curb misinformation regarding the same.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
