Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde on Tuesday stirred controversy by comparing the row over Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb to the disposal of Osama bin Laden`s body. He stated that even the United States (US) had refused to bury Osama on its soil, instead disposing of his body at sea to prevent any glorification, questioning why Maharashtra should tolerate the glorification of Aurangzeb.

Shinde made the remarks during a heated debate in the legislative council while responding to allegations from Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Anil Parab regarding his switch from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Parab had accused Shinde of changing allegiance due to pressure from central agencies. Shinde, in a sharp response, linked the matter to Aurangzeb’s legacy and the contentious status of his tomb.