Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, while addressing his annual Gudhi Padwa rally at Shivaji Park, criticized attempts to create communal tensions over Aurangzeb’s tomb. He said that history should not be interpreted through the lens of caste and religion.

Raj Thackeray also asked people not to rely on WhatsApp forwards for historical facts, as misinformation can create unnecessary conflicts. He spoke about Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, stating that he tried to erase Shivaji’s ideology but failed and ultimately died in Maharashtra. He also pointed out that Afzal Khan, the Bijapur general, was buried near Pratapgad Fort, and such a decision would not have been made without Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s approval.

His comments come amid growing demands from right-wing organizations to remove Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. The issue has sparked protests and even led to violent incidents in Nagpur earlier this month.

Thackeray further criticized political parties for using history to divide people for electoral gains. He further said that Maharashtra has a rich heritage of valiant leaders, and people should focus on their legacy instead of fueling communal disputes.

"Those who tried to destroy the Marathas were wiped out. Stop reading history on WhatsApp and learn from real sources," he said. He warned people not to get provoked, as the political and social climate changed after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Criticizing the trend of learning history through movies, he said, “Did you learn about Sambhaji Maharaj’s sacrifice because of Vicky Kaushal and about Aurangzeb because of Akshaye Khanna?” referring to the film ‘Chhaava’.

Thackeray reminded that Aurangzeb was born in Dahod, Gujarat, and accused political groups of using history for their gain. He said that a country cannot progress solely on religion, citing Turkey’s reforms as an example. Thackeray said religion should be a personal matter, not a tool for division. "Hindus unite only during riots; otherwise, they are divided by caste," he added.

He claimed the BJP-led 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme would be scrapped. "I warned you, but you believed them instead," he added. Opposition parties have slammed the Mahayuti government for failing to raise aid from ₹1,500 to ₹2,100, as promised.

Thackeray reiterated his demand for Marathi to be mandatory in official work, warning that those who refuse "will be dealt with." Criticizing pollution in the name of religion, he showed a video of bodies being dumped into the Ganga. "₹33,000 crore has been spent on cleaning it, yet pollution continues. Shouldn’t we change?" he asked.

He also pointed out Maharashtra’s river pollution, saying 55 of India’s 311 most polluted river patches are in the state. Mumbai’s five rivers are nearly gone, with the Mithi River on the verge of dying due to sewage and chemical waste.

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