Security measures have been heightened at the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in Aurangabad following threats from right-wing groups, including Bajrang Dal, who have pledged to demolish the site. The tomb, which is under protection by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), has become the focal point of a growing political and communal debate.
Vivek Kulkarni, the convenor of Bajrang Dal in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and Goa, has publicly declared that the tomb will meet the same fate as the Babri Masjid. Kulkarni announced plans to organize a massive ‘Kar Sewa’ with lakhs of participants to demolish the structure, beginning with a dharna and a formal letter to the collector before taking further action.
The controversy began on March 7 when Udayan Raje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji and Member of Parliament from Satara, called for the demolition of the tomb, labeling Aurangzeb a "thief and looter." This sparked clashes between the ruling Shiv Sena and the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT). Opposition leader Ambadas Danve argued that removing the tomb would erase part of history, while state minister Sanjay Shirsat responded, asserting that there was no place for Aurangzeb's grave in Maharashtra.