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The VHP raised questions on how any Indian can justify worshipping Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. He called such acts an insult and indignity to the nation
Security arrangements at Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Nagpur. (Image: PTI/File)
Amid the Archaeological Survey of India setting up a temporary structure around Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Nagpur and the RSS dismissing his relevance in modern times, the Vishva Hindu Parishad has demanded that the site be declared a visiting monument only with ban on any form of worship or ‘chadar’ offerings.
Talking exclusively to News18, Vishva Hindu Parisha (VHP) international president Alok Kumar called Aurangzeb a “tyrant”, who “imprisoned his father, murdered his brother, and opposed all Indian cultural values”.
Kumar raised questions on how any Indian can justify worshipping him and reiterated that this should not be allowed at his tomb. He called such acts an insult and indignity to the nation.
He further said the VHP had already communicated its objections and warned that glorifying Aurangzeb, who he said was a figure that “stood against Indian and civilisational values” will not be tolerated.
“Aurangzeb ko mahapurush manne se kya asar ho raha hai? Pita ko bandi banaya, pani ke liye bhi tarasaya, bhai ki hatya ki. Itne Hindu ko Muslim bana ke bhojan karunga aisa bola. Kashi Vishwanath ke temple ko dhwasta kiya. Ye Bharat ke values nahin hain. Ye civilisation ke values nahin hain. Toh jo puja karne jayenge woh log bhi wahi values grahan karenge na? Ye hum logon ko swikar nahi hain (What is the impact of considering Aurangzeb as a great person? He imprisoned his father, made him suffer even for food and water, and beheaded his brother. He said he will eat after converting so many Hindus into Muslims. He destroyed the Kashi Vishwanath temple. These are not the values of India. These are not the values of civilisation. So, those who go to worship, they will also adopt those values, right? That is not acceptable to us),” he told News18.
The VHP leader questioned the idea of the site being a place of worship. “Our pain is not about the monument but, why would people worship there?” he asked, adding that public spaces and monuments must reflect sentiments that uplift society.
He also said the VHP’s objection and demand have rationale and they are well thought out. “We have a rationale behind this. That’s why we spearheaded this movement,” he added.
