KALYAN/MUMBAI: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis Monday warned that his government would take action if any attempt was made to glorify Aurangzeb in the state even as there was an uproar in the legislative assembly and council over PCC chief Harshvardhan Sapkal‘s statement comparing the chief minister to the Mughal emperor.
After inaugurating the Shaktipeeth temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Bhiwandi, Fadnavis said it is “unfortunate that the government has to take responsibility for protection of Aurangzeb’s grave despite his history of persecution”. He added that any glorification in Maharashtra will solely be of the Maratha ruler. “Anyone attempting to glorify or promote the brutal ideologies of the tyrant Aurangzeb will face strict legal action, ensuring such ideologies are eradicated,” the Maharashtra CM said.
Amid demands from the right-wing groups for removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khultabad, BJP minister Nitesh Rane, at another event in Pune district, invoked the demolition of Babri Masjid and asked Hindutva outfits “to do their duty while government will carry out its responsibilities”. Even as Mahayuti legislatures demanded action against Sapkal for his remarks against the CM, the state Congress chief remained firm on Monday, saying: “BJP leaders themselves compared CM Fadnavis to the cruel Aurangzeb.”
Sapkal had said in Beed on Sunday, “Aurangzeb was a cruel ruler. Today, CM Devendra Fadnavis is an equally cruel ruler. He always supports issues related to religion but does nothing about cases like the murder of (Massajog) sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.”
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar told the assembly that Sapkal’s remarks would be investigated. “Certain comments are made to please party seniors and grab eyeballs. But their (opposition’s) vote share gets decreased and their true colours are seen. If such wrong remarks are made against persons in important positions, they will be verified and action will be taken,” he said. In the council, when chairman Ram Shinde commenced the question hour, BJP members began sloganeering, leading to adjournment of the House for ten minutes. When the House reassembled, revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said Sapkal’s statement was wrong and the government will take action in this regard.
BJP’s Pravin Darekar said Sapkal had not just insulted the post of the chief minister but also the state of Maharashtra. “Sapkal must be counselled.”
Defending his remark, Sapkal said comparing Fadnavis’ governance to that of Aurangzeb highlights similarities between their regimes, not the individuals themselves.
“I did not use derogatory language against CM Fadnavis, nor did I address him disrespectfully, yet BJP leaders are resorting to personal attacks against me.”
