Businesses in Khuldabad, Ellora affected due to absence of tourists

Lokmat News Network Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

The issue of Aurangzeb's tomb has heated the atmosphere across the country. As a result, devotees and tourists avoid visiting the tourist and religious sites in the Khuldabad area. This has affected the businesses in this vicinity, and thousands of youths are losing employment.

There are two dargahs located opposite each other in the central part of the town on the main road. The tomb of Aurangzeb is housed in the dargah of Hazrat Jainoddin Chishti. This simple tomb has become the centre of nationwide discussion. Many have demanded its removal, taking an aggressive stance, while others have made statements suggesting that they will attack and remove it. This has led to a heated atmosphere. In light of this, police forces have been deployed in the dargah area and throughout the city.

Due to the fear that anything could happen at any time in this region, the number of tourists and devotees visiting famous places like Ellora’s Kailash Temple and the 12th Jyotirlinga in Shri Ghrishneshwar Temple and Khuldabad’s Shree Bhadra Maruti Sansthan, Zar Zari Zar Baksh Dargah, Hazrat Zainoddin Chishti Dargah and Sulibanjan’s Dutt Dham and other religious and tourist places of Mhaismaal has significantly dropped in recent days. Foreign tourists are hardly seen in the area now. The reduction in the number of tourists and devotees has had a significant impact on businesses in this region, leading to severe employment challenges. Some are even struggling to cover their business expenses.

According to a businessman Akshay Hazare, “The main road to Aurangzeb's tomb has been barricaded on both sides, making it difficult for vehicles to pass through. As a result, the number of devotees and tourists coming to the city has drastically reduced. This has put businesses, including those selling flowers, in a difficult position.”