Shiv Sena (UBT) has criticized the BJP for focusing on the demolition of Aurangzeb’s grave, claiming the party now values the Mughal emperor more than Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In an editorial published in their mouthpiece Saamana on Wednesday, Shiv Sena (UBT) argued that the BJP has only started invoking Shivaji and Sambhaji Maharaj for political convenience.
The editorial reads, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s rule was based on unity and religion, a vision that the BJP never accepted before and doesn’t now. Today, they say ‘Jai Shivaji’ and ‘Jai Sambhaji’ only when it suits them. In fact, Aurangzeb has become BJP’s new Shivaji.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) also slammed BJP affiliates like the RSS, VHP, and Bajrang Dal, accusing them of stirring political unrest by demanding the destruction of Aurangzeb’s grave. The editorial claims these groups have started a campaign to remove the tomb, comparing it to the Babri Masjid demolition. “They are gathering tools like spades and bulldozers, but this is just drama. Aurangzeb is long gone, and his grave is protected by central forces,” the editorial states.
Shiv Sena (UBT) also took aim at the BJP’s leadership, calling out Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis for failing to address the rising tensions. The party suggested that the grave issue was being used to fuel religious division. “PM Modi and CM Fadnavis, both from the BJP, should take responsibility for the riots and tensions around this issue,” the editorial said.
The party further criticized BJP MPs, citing remarks made by Bargarh MP Pradeep Purohit, who allegedly claimed Modi was a reincarnation of Shivaji. “By glorifying PM Modi as Shivaji, the BJP is rewriting history. If they continue, they may eventually erase the true legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” the editorial warned.
Shiv Sena (UBT) also expressed concern over the rising communal violence in Maharashtra, blaming state ministers for fueling religious hatred. “Riots in places like Nagpur, Parbhani, and Konkan are examples of how the state is becoming divided in the name of religion. The Home Minister is doing nothing to prevent it,” the editorial said
“The glorification that is being done by declaring PM Modi as Chhatrapati Shivaji is terrible. Do Chhatrapati’s descendants Udayanraje Bhosale (Shrimant) and Shivendraraje Bhosale (Shrimant) approve of Modi’s glorification of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj?” Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj brought unity to Maharashtra. Today Maharashtra is divided and burning in the name of religion. If you find a copy of the Quran anywhere, return it with respect, this is what Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s order letter says. But in Nagpur, verses from the Quran were burned. In Rajapur, an attempt was made to incite riots by throwing Holi wood in the mosque. Arson in the name of Aurangzeb started in Maharashtra. Aurangzeb buried 400 years ago, has been brought back to life again. Because a new ‘Shivaji’ is growing in the ‘stomach’ of the BJP. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, please forgive us,” says the editorial.
