Tue Mar 11 15:24:33 UTC 2025: ## Aurangzeb Reignites Political Firestorm in Maharashtra

**Mumbai, India** – The release of the Bollywood film “Chhaava,” focusing on the life and death of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj at the hands of Aurangzeb, has reignited a centuries-old controversy surrounding the Mughal emperor. This resurgence has been fueled by recent statements from political leaders, sparking heated debate and legal action.

Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi’s comments praising Aurangzeb’s rule and citing instances of him supporting Hindu temples led to his suspension from the Maharashtra Assembly. While Azmi later retracted his statements and paid tribute to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the damage was done. His remarks drew widespread condemnation, including from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who vowed to ensure Azmi’s imprisonment. At least one case has been filed against the MLA.

The controversy further escalated with BJP MP Udayanraje Bhosale’s call for the demolition of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad). While Chief Minister Fadnavis expressed support for the tomb’s removal, he emphasized the need to adhere to legal processes, given the site’s protection under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

This debate isn’t new. Opposition to Aurangzeb has long been a feature of Maharashtra’s political landscape, voiced by figures such as Jyotiba Phule and V.D. Savarkar, and echoed by the Shiv Sena under Bal Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray. The controversy has repeatedly resurfaced in recent years, becoming a potent political tool during the 2023 Maharashtra Assembly elections, with the BJP accusing its former ally Uddhav Thackeray of aligning himself with Aurangzeb’s legacy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also weighed in during the election campaign, contrasting the legacies of Sambhaji Maharaj and Aurangzeb.

The ongoing debate highlights the deeply ingrained historical and political sensitivities surrounding Aurangzeb’s legacy in Maharashtra, and his continued relevance in contemporary Indian politics.

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