Eknath Shinde Invokes Osama bin Laden Reference Amid Aurangzeb Tomb Controversy

Amid the ongoing debate over Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday compared the situation to how the United States handled Osama bin Laden’s burial. He pointed out that the U.S. refused to bury Osama on its soil, instead disposing of his body at sea to prevent any glorification.

Shinde’s remarks came during a heated legislative council debate, where he aimed at Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab. Speaking on the recent Nagpur violence, Shinde questioned the glorification of Aurangzeb, especially as right-wing groups have been demanding the removal of his tomb.

“Who is Aurangzeb? Why should we allow his glorification in our state? He is a blot on our history,” Shinde declared in his closing remarks.

He also recalled Aurangzeb’s execution of Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje, highlighting how the Maratha king was brutally tortured after refusing to convert to Islam.

Countering Allegations & Criticism

Responding to Parab’s accusation that he defected from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) to the BJP under pressure from central agencies, Shinde countered with the Osama bin Laden analogy:

“Even the U.S., after killing Osama bin Laden, ensured that he was not buried on their land. They disposed of him at sea to prevent any glorification.”

He also hit back at Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal for comparing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s governance to Aurangzeb’s rule.

“Did Fadnavis ever torture anyone the way Aurangzeb did to his enemies?” Shinde asked, directing his question at Parab.

Nagpur Violence Over Aurangzeb Tomb Dispute

Violence erupted in Nagpur’s Mahal area on Monday evening around 7:30 PM after stones were hurled at police amid rumors that a religious text was burned during a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) protest demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.

On Tuesday, Deputy CM Shinde urged citizens to maintain peace, stating that the police were investigating whether the violence was part of a “pre-planned conspiracy.” According to PTI, 34 police personnel were injured in the clashes.

“The CM is reviewing the situation. Police have confirmed that many individuals came from outside. Petrol bombs were also thrown. It is unfortunate that the police were targeted. Strict action will be taken. I appeal to everyone to maintain peace,” Shinde told reporters.

Following the violence, over 50 people were taken into custody, and a curfew was imposed in parts of Nagpur. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis claimed in the legislative assembly that the violence was premeditated, linking it to the emotional response triggered by the Vicky Kaushal-starrer film Chhaava, which depicts the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.

Security Measures & Curfew Imposed

To restore order, police and security forces conducted a flag march in the affected areas. Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal stated that an investigation was underway to determine whether the violence was orchestrated and how many people were involved.

Authorities imposed a curfew on Tuesday under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in several areas, including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar, as per official notification from Commissioner Singal.