“A blot on our history…”: Eknath Shinde Compares Aurangzeb’s Tomb Controversy to US Disposal of Osama bin Laden’s Body

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday stirred controversy during a heated legislative council debate, drawing a comparison between the handling of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb and the United States’ burial of Osama bin Laden. Shinde pointed out that the US disposed of bin Laden's body at sea, refusing to bury him on American soil to prevent any form of “glorification.”

Shinde questioned the rational for glorifying a historical figure like Aurangzeb. He referenced the brutal treatment meted out to Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj under Aurangzeb’s rule, stating that Sambhaji was offered the choice to convert to Islam, which he refused. As a result, Sambhaji was subjected to severe torture before his death. His remarks came in the wake of ongoing demands from right-wing groups calling for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. "Who is Aurangzeb? Why should we allow his glorification in our state? He is a blot on our history,” said Shinde.

In addition, Shinde highlighted that the US chose to dispose of Osama bin Laden's body at sea instead of burying him on American soil, to avoid any potential “glorification.” "Even after killing Osama bin Laden, the US made sure he was not buried on their land. They disposed of him in the sea to prevent any glorification,” he said.

The deputy CM also criticised Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal, who had compared Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s governance to that of Aurangzeb. "Did Fadnavis ever torture anyone the way Aurangzeb did to his enemies?" he asked, questioning if Fadnavis had mistreated Parab, calling the comparison unfair.

Shinde’s comments came a day after violence had erupted in Nagpur's Mahal area after rumours spread that a religious text had been burned during a protest by right wing groups. The protest was calling for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. Stones were thrown at the police, and the unrest led to several injuries.

Shinde expressed regret over the violence, calling it "unfortunate," and confirmed that four DCP-level officers were among the injured. He noted that a large number of outsiders had been involved in the disturbance, and petrol bombs were hurled at the police. "The CM is reviewing the situation. Police have said that many people came from outside. Petrol bombs were also hurled. It is unfortunate that the police were also attacked. Strict action will be taken in this incident. I appeal to all to maintain peace," Shinde stated.

Following the incident, over 50 people were arrested, and a curfew was imposed in parts of Nagpur. Authorities also initiated a flag march in the affected areas to restore order, while Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal assured the public that an investigation was underway to determine whether the violence was part of a pre-planned conspiracy.