Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: Amid the ongoing political row over remarks about Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, lyricist and screenwriter Manoj Muntashir has voiced his opinion, suggesting that instead of demolishing Aurangzeb’s grave, the government should build toilets on it as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
In a conversation with ANI, Muntashir described Aurangzeb’s grave as a “monument of national shame”, criticizing those who consider it a source of pride.
“Aurangzeb’s grave is a monument of national shame. Which is there in that place that any Indian should be proud of? If Aurangzeb’s grave is a place for one to be proud of, then they need to think again about their patriotism,” Muntashir said.
Referring to past suggestions that the Ram Temple site should be used for a hospital or school, Muntashir drew a comparison.
“There is no need to destroy Aurangzeb’s grave. Instead, a toilet should be built on it. Swachh Bharat Mission is going on… What can be a better place than Aurangzeb’s grave to build toilets in the country?” he added.
This statement followed remarks made by Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi, who described Aurangzeb as a “good administrator”, sparking widespread criticism. Consequently, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar suspended Azmi for the entire budget session.
Azmi later claimed that his statements were misinterpreted by the media and maintained that he had never disrespected Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj or Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. In his letter to Speaker Narwekar, Azmi emphasized that his comments were based on historical facts, claiming that Aurangzeb and Shivaji’s conflict was about power and land, not religion.
The controversy continues to unfold, underscoring the political sensitivity surrounding historical narratives in India.