Last Updated:
Tourism Minister Gajendra Shekhawat stressed preserving Aurangzeb’s grave as heritage but not feeling proud. He called SP MP Ramji Lal Suman’s remark on Rana Sanga “unfortunate.”
Shekhawat also hit out at Suman over his remark on the Mewar ruler. (Photo: News18)
Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Tuesday said that the government needs to preserve grave of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb as part of the nation’s heritage but the citizens should not feel proud about it.
His remarks came amid calls for removal of Aurangzeb’s grave and tomb in Aurangabad, which is now known as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district in Maharashtra.
Speaking at the Rising Bharat Summit 2025 in New Delhi, Shekhawat called Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Ramji Lal Suman’s remark on Mewar ruler Rana Sanga “unfortunate”.
“The PM has said that the government will respect as well as preserve our heritage…When we talk about our heritage, history is painted with all colours– some with black ink and some with golden. Those written with black ink are also part of our heritage that’s why we need to preserve them. The nation does not need to feel proud about it. For a nation, citizens seek inspiration from their history… Coming generations will know through our history that they will not have to face such a thing again. That’s why their (grave) preservation is our responsibility,” he said when asked about calls for removal of Aurangzeb’s grave.
“I have said that attackers who came to India can be in our history but they cannot be something we should feel proud about. We need to differentiate between the two,” the minister added.
Aurangzeb’s atrocities on Indians came into spotlight again after release of film Chhaava, which depicts the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The film has deeply resonated with audiences, particularly in Maharashtra, reinforcing the historical grievances against the Mughal ruler. After the movie’s release, several Hindu groups and political leaders called for removal of Aurangzeb’s grave and tomb in Aurangabad.
Why Can’t Maharashtra Govt Remove Aurangzeb Tomb? ASI Protected Monuments Explained
Shekhawat also hit out at Suman over his remark on the Mewar ruler and said: “It is unfortunate. A citizen who loves his country cannot have disrespect about Rana Sanga. Those who have disrespected him. People will also end politics of his party which supported him.”
When asked about attack on Suman’s house, the minister said, “It is the security of the government to provide security. Akhilesh should also know about his responsibility towards the nation and its leaders.”
Disclaimer: We do not own any of the content, ideas, images, or text presented here. All rights belong to their respective owners. For more information and to view the original source, please visit the following link: