‘Stop reading history on WhatsApp’ Raj Thackeray says amid Aurangzeb row
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Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray urged people to ‘stop reading history on WhatsApp’ amid raging controversy over Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's tomb.
Raj Thackeray made it clear amid calls to remove the emperor’s tomb that those stirring up ‘such issues’ are looking forward to incite communal tensions, NDTV reported.
The MNS leader, referencing the Bollywood movie Chhava, said that ‘Hindus who feel awakened after a movie are of no use’, while asking ‘Did you learn about Sambhaji Maharaj's sacrifice because of Vicky Kaushal and Aurangzeb because of Akshaye Khanna?’
Pointing out that socio-political situations were different in the pre-Shivaji and post-Shivaji eras, he said history should not be viewed in terms of caste and religion, adding ‘We have forgotten the real issues of the present time’.
Responding to the call for removing Aurangzeb’s tomb, he said:’ Don't we want to let the world know that these people sought to destroy the Marathas but were wiped out instead. Stop reading history on WhatsApp and delve into history books’.
Urging people to keep religion within the wall of their home, he said ‘A Hindu identifies as a Hindu only when Muslims take to the streets or during riots; otherwise, Hindus are divided by caste.’
However, the MNS leader called for making Marathi mandatory in Maharashtra for official purposes, warning that ‘If you live here and don't speak the language, you will be dealt with appropriately.’
BJP spokesperson Ali Daruwala responded to Thackeray’s push for Marathi saying chief minister Devendra Fadnavis ‘supports Marathi. Marathi is also the state language of Maharashtra. Raj Thackeray's attack in meaningless’.
