NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske on Wednesday demanded the demolition of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s grave in Maharashtra’s Khuldabad amid Samajwadi Patry MLA Abu Azmi’s remarks controvercy. Mhaske said that memorials of historical figures who “worked against the country’s culture and traditions” should not be preserved.
Speaking during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, Mhaske pointed out that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) maintains 3,691 monuments and graves, with nearly 25 per cent belonging to Mughal and British officers. He questioned the necessity of preserving such sites, especially those linked to figures like Aurangzeb.
Mhaske said Aurangzeb persecuted Hindus, destroyed temples, and killed Chhatrapati Sambhaji as well as the ninth and tenth Sikh Gurus. He insisted that Aurangzeb’s protected grave in Khuldabad should be removed.
“What is the need to preserve a memorial of someone as cruel as Aurangzeb? The memorials of Aurangzeb and all those who worked against India should be destroyed,” said Mhaske, who represents the Thane parliamentary constituency.
Later, speaking to news agency PTI, he reiterated the demand saying, “What is the need to preserve the memorial of someone as cruel as Aurangzeb? The memorials to Aurangzeb and everyone who worked against India should be destroyed.”