Eknath Shinde calls Aurangzeb supporters 'traitors' at event in Thane

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister CM Eknath Shinde has criticised individuals who continue to praise Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb labelling them as traitorsAccording to PTI Shinde remarked that Aurangzeb had sought to conquer Maharashtra and committed various atrocities against the state and its peopleShinde made the statements on Monday night while addressing a gathering during the unveiling of an equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Gharda Chowk in Dombivli in Thane district The statue has been installed to honour the legacy of the Maratha King known for his courage leadership and commitment to Hindutva valuesAccording to PTI Shinde emphasised the contrasting legacies of Aurangzeb and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj calling the Maratha King a divine force who stood for valour sacrifice and the true spirit of Hindutva He noted that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj not only defended Maharashtra from Aurangzebrsquos forces but also laid the foundation for modern governance and democracyAurangzeb came to seize Maharashtra but he faced the divine power of Shivaji Maharaj Those who still sing his praises are nothing but traitors Shinde said According to PTI he also highlighted that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was not only a symbol of Hindutva and Indian pride but also the inventor of democracyHe also condemned Aurangzebs actions against Maharashtra particularly the execution of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs son Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj The Deputy CM stated that the principles upheld by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj remain relevant today and continue to inspire Maharashtras governance and public serviceShinde further urged citizens to adopt at least one quality of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in their lives stating that this would be the most meaningful tribute to the great Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj was a visionary leader a man of the era a promoter of justice and a king of the commoners Shinde stated according to PTI reportsHe also announced that Gharda Chowk in Thane would now be renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk in honour of the Maratha kings legacy The declaration was met with loud applause and chants of Jai Bhavani Jai Shivaji from the gatheringShindes remarks come amid demands from some rightwing groups for the removal of Aurangzebs tomb located in the states Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district Notably violence erupted in central Nagpur on Monday following rumours that the holy book of a particular community was burnt during an agitation by a rightwing body seeking the removal of Aurangzebs tombWith inputs from PTI