'Someone who lived 300 years ago...': Uddhav Thackeray on Nagpur violence over Aurangzeb’s grave

Nagpur witnessed arson and vandalism over demands to move Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s grave out of Maharashtra. Amid the unrest, former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray questioned the need for such a confrontation, reminding people that the controversial ruler had died over 300 years ago.

‘If you want, remove his grave…’

Speaking to reporters, Thackeray remarked, “If you want, you can remove his grave… but call C Naidu and Nitish Kumar...” The comment has been interpreted as a jibe at BJP allies, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, given the importance of Muslim voters in their states. With elections coming up in Bihar next year, the remark is seen as a strategic dig at their political equations.

‘Ask the Chief Minister about the violence’

Thackeray, who leads the Shiv Sena (UBT), distanced himself from the situation, saying, “I am not the Chief Minister, nor am I the Home Minister, ask the Chief Minister who is behind this (violence). Because the RSS headquarters is there. There is a double-engine government here; if the double-engine government has failed, then they should resign...” His comment was directed at the ruling BJP government, questioning its handling of the law-and-order situation.

A jab at Gujarat

Thackeray also pointed out a historical fact, stating that Aurangzeb was born in Gujarat, not Maharashtra. Aurangzeb was born in 1618 in Dahod, Gujarat, and died in 1707 near Bhingar, Maharashtra.