MUMBAI/RAIGAD: Paying homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his 345th death anniversary on Saturday at Raigad fort, Union home minister Amit Shah said that Aurangzeb, who called himself Alamgir and fought against Marathas in Maharashtra, died as a defeated man and was buried in the state’s soil.
Maharashtra recently saw a political row over the demand by VHP and Bajrang Dal to remove the tomb of the Mughal emperor which is in Khultabad in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.
Shah said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj represents valour, self-respect, and an immortal will for self-rule (Swaraj) — a spirit that will inspire generations to come.
The home minister was accompanied by CM Devendra Fadnavis and Dy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.
In Shah’s presence, Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a BJP MP, demanded a non-bailable law under which individuals insulting Shivaji Maharaj could be denied bail for 10 years. Chief minister Fadnavis supported the proposal during his address, assuring the public that action would be taken against those who disrespect such a legendary historical figure.
Shah emphasized that to instill the values of Shivaji Maharaj in every child of India, his life and legacy must be celebrated. He recalled Shivaji Maharaj’s final message: that the fight to uphold Swaraj must never cease.
The home minister described Raigad fort, which served as the capital of the Maratha kingdom and houses Shivaji Maharaj’s samadhi, as a source of inspiration for future generations rather than a tourist spot.
During the event, CM Fadnavis called for the establishment of a national memorial dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Delhi and sought Shah’s support for the initiative. Apart from Shah, the function featured speeches by Fadnavis, and deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde. However, Dy CM Ajit Pawar, who was also present on stage, was not given an opportunity to speak. It was later stated that neither of the deputy chief ministers were initially included in the list of speakers, but Shinde’s name was added at the last minute.
– With inputs from agencies
