BENGALURU: Senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Sunil Ambekar made headlines on March 19, 2025, by speaking out against violence that erupted in Nagpur during protests against the tomb of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Ambekar, who is the national publicity in-charge for the RSS, strongly condemned the violence that disrupted the otherwise peaceful city, asserting that any form of violence is detrimental to society.
“Any type of violence is not good for the health of the society,” Ambekar said during a media briefing in Bengaluru. He emphasized that the police have taken cognizance of the unrest and will investigate the incidents further. His comments come in the wake of protests on March 17, when approximately 250 members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal gathered near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal, demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave.
The protests escalated rapidly, culminating in chaotic scenes when rumors spread that a symbolic grave containing religious writings had been burned. This led to a significant gathering of around 400 to 500 people, who began shouting slogans and threatening to ignite vehicles. The situation intensified, with over 1,000 individuals engaging in stone-pelting, vandalism, and arson.
Ambekar also stated in his response to queries about the relevance of Aurangzeb that he believes the emperor does not hold any significance in present-day India. “No, it’s not relevant,” he remarked, highlighting a sentiment echoed by various political leaders who have commented on the historical figure’s recent resurgence in public discourse.
As the political implications of the violence unfolded, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, addressing the state assembly on March 18, described the unrest as pre-planned. He noted that the recent release of the movie Chhava, which relates to the historical figure Chhatrapati Sambhaji, may have ignited community passions leading to increased tensions about Aurangzeb. He urged patience among the populace, emphasizing the need for maintaining law and order in Maharashtra.
In the wake of the violence, which also resulted in the molestation of a female police officer, Nagpur police have been busy making arrests to restore order. One of the key accused was taken into custody following the events. Ambekar reiterated that violence is not the answer, a statement that resonated amid rising critique from various political arenas.
Curiously, this unrest has drawn comments from prominent figures such as Aaditya Thackeray of the Shiv Sena (UBT), who questioned why the BJP continues to draw attention to Aurangzeb. This remark underscores the friction and diverse opinions surrounding the discussions about historical memes and figures that are leveraged in contemporary political narratives.
Ambekar further mentioned the forthcoming three-day meeting of the RSS’s Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) scheduled from March 21 to 23 in Bengaluru, where leaders will discuss numerous national and international issues. This gathering falls four years after the last meeting and is set to focus on RSS strategies and future initiatives.
During this assembly, the general secretary of the RSS, Dattatreya Hosabale, is expected to outline the organization’s recent activities and strategic plans moving forward, especially as the RSS prepares to commemorate its 100th anniversary from Vijayadashami 2025 to Vijayadashami 2026. Discussions will include outreach and growth strategies, as well as resolutions to outline plans for nationwide celebrations.
The current violence and the historical tales surrounding figures like Aurangzeb reflect the deep intertwining of history and contemporary society within political discourse today. As multiple factions voice their perspectives and positions on historical issues, the necessity to balance respectful dialogue and public sentiment remains paramount for maintaining peace in communities across the nation.
