Aurangzeb was not a Hindu hater, says NCP leader

In Maharashtra, it seems like there are always new controversies over historical figures. The leader of the National Congress Party (NCP), Jitender Awhad, claimed on Monday that Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor, was not a Hindu hater.

Awhad stated that Aurangzeb was a cruel ruler who killed his brother and father in order to take the throne, but out of fear of retribution.

Awhad said, “He (Chhattrapati Sambhaji) was at Sardesai Wada, Sangmeshwar. Who passed on this information to Aurangzeb? This is where the real history lies. He was brought to Bahadurgad where his eyes were removed. Close to Bahadurgad Fort, there was a Vishnu Temple. If Aurangzeb was a Hindu hater, he would have demolished the Vishnu Temple as well.”

“I am of the view there is no reason to go back in the history as it results in escalating fresh disputes (among the society),” the former housing minister said.

In the state assembly last Friday, opposition leader Ajit Pawar claimed that Chhattrapati Sambhaji had never upheld dharma or religion in his life. He was attempting to defend Pawar at the time.

Ram Kadam, a BJP MLA, attacked Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), saying, “We want to ask Uddhav Thackeray for how long he will continue to keep his alliance with those praising Aurangzeb?”