NEW DELHI: In the backdrop of rising tensions in Maharashtra, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has officially distanced itself from the escalating controversy surrounding the demands to demolish the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, located in Khuldabad. The issue has sparked violent clashes between communities, particularly in Nagpur, the RSS's headquarters. As the organization prepares for its Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha scheduled from March 21 to 23, spokesperson Sunil Ambekar remarked during a press conference, "Aurangzeb is not relevant today," emphasizing the need for peaceful discourse over violence.
Ambekar condemned the violence in Nagpur, where recent protests turned chaotic following rumors that a religious text had been desecrated during a demonstration led by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal. "Any type of violence is detrimental to the health of society," Ambekar stated, urging police authorities to investigate the incidents thoroughly. The unrest saw protestors engaging in stone-pelting, vandalism, and arson, prompting City Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal to impose a curfew in several areas under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The roots of the protests trace back to dissatisfaction with the historical legacy of Aurangzeb, who ruled over India centuries ago. Reports indicate that during demonstrations, effigies of Aurangzeb and a religious chadar, a ceremonial cloth, were burned, further inflaming tensions. As hundreds participated in the uproar, violence erupted, injuring numerous residents and police personnel, and leading to more than 650 individuals being booked in connection with the unrest.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed emerging violence on the assembly floor, characterizing it as a premeditated attack. On Tuesday, he disclosed that the authorities had discovered a trolley filled with stones and weapons that were intended for use in the protests. Fadnavis also remarked, “I’m not blaming any film, but it has fanned sentiments among people,” alluding to the recent film Chhaava, which depicts the historical conflict between Aurangzeb and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a figure revered in Maharashtra.
The BJP-led Maharashtra state government remains alert, with Fadnavis warning that any efforts to glorify Aurangzeb would be met with strict consequences. Backing this statement, Ambekar mentioned that while the RSS prepares for its upcoming meeting in Bengaluru, discussions regarding the organization’s future and ongoing incidents facing Hindus in Bangladesh will take precedence. "We will also strategize ways to connect more people with the organization," he noted.
The unrest has raised questions about historical narratives in contemporary society. The film Chhaava has reinvigorated anti-Aurangzeb sentiments in the region, showcasing how historical legacies can influence modern-day politics and community relations. The VHP has further fueled debates by declaring plans for a victory memorial for the Marathas at Aurangzeb’s former tomb site, intensifying discussions around place preservation versus historical interpretation.
Ambekar affirmed that interest in the RSS has been growing among younger generations. Dismissing claims of declining membership, he noted that registration numbers have risen, and an outreach program aimed at those under 40 is in the works as part of the organization’s centennial celebrations. “Our focus is to achieve what we describe as Panchaparivartan, which includes family awakening, social harmony, connectivity, civic sense, and environmental conservation,” he stated.
As Maharashtra grapples with the complexity of its historical figures—and the modern implications of their legacies—the RSS's stance against violence and its outlined road for the future reflect a broader vision amid fluctuating sentiments. The upcoming Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha will address both the ongoing challenges and the organization's strategic initiatives moving forward.
