RSS Leader Deems Aurangzeb Tomb Row Baseless, Urges Focus on Unity

RSS leader Suresh Joshi called the Aurangzeb tomb controversy unnecessary, highlighting India’s inclusive legacy. Responding to Raj Thackeray’s remarks, he stressed Shivaji's tolerance and unity beyond religion. Thackeray urged youth to avoid communal views of history, amid recent protests and violence surrounding the tomb in Maharashtra.

Senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Suresh 'Bhaiyyaji' Joshi dismissed the ongoing controversy surrounding Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb as unwarranted. Speaking to the media on Monday, Joshi remarked that the debate was being needlessly inflamed. “Aurangzeb died in India, so his tomb is here. Those who wish to visit it, will,” he stated, emphasizing India's longstanding tradition of tolerance.

Drawing a parallel with Maratha history, Joshi highlighted how Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had built the tomb of Afzal Khan, despite being his adversary. “This reflects our culture’s inclusiveness,” he said, reaffirming that the tomb would remain intact.

The remarks came in response to questions about Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray’s recent statements on the matter. Thackeray had earlier urged citizens, especially the youth, to avoid communal interpretations of history and not to fall prey to divisive narratives often spread through platforms like WhatsApp.

Thackeray emphasized that historical figures like Shivaji Maharaj fought against systems like feudalism, not on the basis of caste or religion. He reiterated that people from various communities served in different regimes, and that such legacy should not be viewed through a narrow lens. His comments were seen as a call for social harmony amid growing demands by some right-wing outfits to remove Aurangzeb's tomb.

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The controversy escalated earlier this month after a reported incident involving the burning of a ceremonial cloth near the tomb during protests, sparking tensions in Nagpur. Both Joshi and Thackeray’s interventions appear aimed at calming communal sentiments and redirecting public focus toward more pressing societal issues.