A new controversy has been sparked by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA and former Maharashtra Minister, Jitendra Awhad by calling Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb “not a Hindu hater”. Awhad mentioned the example of an incident where the Mughal ruler spared a Vishnu temple in Maharashtra.
In order to defend Maharashtra Leader of Opposition, Ajit Pawar’s December 30 remarks on Chhatrapati Sambhaji, Awhad brought up the Mughal ruler during his interaction with the media on January 2, 2023.
While speaking to the media, Awhad said that in the earlier days, Maratha was not a caste but a “dharma that was followed” and taken forward by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He added Sambhaji Maharaj laid the foundation of dharma and it was not a caste.
“He (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj) was brought to Bahadurgad where his eyes were removed. Close to Bahadurgad Fort, there was a Vishnu Temple. Aurangzeb was cruel but not anti-Hindu. If he was anit-Hindu he would have demolished that temple too (Vishnu Temple),” Awhad addressing a press conference on January 2, 2022, said.
NCP leader referred to history and said Aurangzeb had killed his brothers and father. He was cruel. However, he said regular historical references should be avoided.
Reacting to the above controversy, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said many temples in Maharashtra were destroyed and women were tortured by Aurangzeb.
“NCP is insulting Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and praising Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb destroyed many temples in Maharashtra and tortured women,” said Maharashtra Chief Minister.
Earlier Congress leader and MP from Assam Abdul Khalaque created controversy. Khalaque praised the Mughals in a tweet and stated he is proud of the Mughals because they shaped Hindustan.
In a tweet, he said, “Of course, I am proud of Mughals, because they shaped Hindustan.”
