Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has once again demonstrated its love for Aurangzeb with one of its leaders Illyas Kirmani from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Earlier Aurangabad) demanding restoration and renovation of a structure built by Aurangzeb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in 1650.
state vice president Illyas Kirmani has sent a letter to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district collector stating that Kila-E-Ark, built by Samrat Aurangzeb, a Mughal Emperor, is currently in dilapidated condition and needs immediate attention for restoration and renovation. He has argued that Kila-E-Ark can be converted into a tourist spot, which would fetch revenue for the Government.
In a letter to the district collector, Kirmani has said that a number of monuments in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar are being renovated at the G-20 conference and restoration/renovation work can be undertaken using the opportunity.
Stating that Kila-E-Ark comprise Shahi Masjid, Adil gate, Zebunissa Mahal, Palmar Kothi, Janana Mahal, Janana Masjid and Mardana Mahal, Kirmani has said that all these structures are currently in shabbily condition. He also pointed out that remnants of Diwan-E-Aam, Diwan-E-Khas, bed room, wash room and royal throne can also be seen on the premises of Kila-E-Ark.
Kirman has said that the structure was in good condition once upon a time but has lost its glory due to the negligence of the Government. He has said that structures can be identified in heritage lists.
This is not the first incident that NCP has shown its affection for Aurangzeb. NCP leader and former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar has refused to call Sambhaji Maharaj as Dharmveer and preferred to call him as Swarajyarakshak. Pawar made this remark in an Assembly speech, which resulted into a huge controversy in Maharashtra.
While the entire Maharashtra acknowledges that Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj made supreme sacrifice by refusing to convert to Islam. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, along with Kavi Kalash, were brought to Tulapur, near Pune city, in February 1689. All the historical evidence shows that Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was mercilessly killed by Aurangzeb. A number of series of historical evidences show that Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was tortured as he refused to convert to Islam. The description of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s torture is horrifying. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Kavi Kalash were dressed as clowns with bells around their necks.
They were paraded on the camel. They were brought to Aurangzeb darbar in a humiliating manner. Aurangzeb promised to release him if he adopted Islam but Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj did not give up his religion. This historical fact is confirmed by all the respected historians, including Riyasatkar G S Sardesai.
Despite large-scale unrest and demonstrations across Maharashtra, Pawar refused to withdraw his statement and said that the Indian Constitution has given him the right to express his views.
In the last week, NCP leader Jitendra Awhad created another controversy when he said, “Shivaji Maharaj was known because Afzal Khan was there, Shahiste Khan and Auranzeb were there”. His speech went viral on social media, creating unrest in Maharashtra. BJP held state-wide demonstrations in Maharashtra, demanding an apology from Awhad.
Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, descendent of Chhatrapati Shivaji had also expressed his displeasure in strong words. He had said that Awhad was making such statements as he had grown up in a particular group. He had warned that Awhad would have to face consequences for his remarks.
NCP leaders are often seen making statements on history from a left-liberal and secular perspective, in which Hindu religion has no space. Awhad had also supported Ajit Pawar saying that Aurangzeb was not a cruel ruler. Aurangzeb would have easily demolished Vishnu temple at Bahadurgarh, where Sambhajiraje was taken.
NCP leaders have been projecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a secular king and argue that Chhatrapati Shivaji’s fight against Mughals was political and not religious, neglecting all the historical evidence.
Sambhaji Brigade is one of such organisations and the entire Maharashtra knows the guiding force behind them. It is not a coincidence that NCP supremo Sharad Pawar was the chief guest of silver jubilee function of Sambhaji Brigade, which was held two months back.
