By mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane on Monday invoked the demolition of Babri masjid and asked Hindutva outfits to do their duty while the government will carry its responsibilities amid protests by right-wing bodies for the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb, reported news agency PTI.
Rane, known for making controversial comments, also denounced attempts to label Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a “secular king”.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged protests for the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave, which they termed as the “symbol of pain and slavery”, in Khuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.
“The government will do its part while Hindutva outfits must do theirs. When Babri Masjid was being demolished, we did not sit and talk to each other. Our karsevaks did what was appropriate,” Rane said, reported PTI.
He spoke while addressing a gathering at Shivaji Maharaj’s birthplace, Shivneri fort, in Pune district on the occasion of his birth anniversary.
The VHP staged protests at government offices in different parts of Maharashtra and submitted memorandums for the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave.
In case of government inaction, the VHP warned that it would march to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district and demolish the grave.
Rane also denounced the portrayal of Shivaji Maharaj as a “secular king”.
This story was originally published in mid-day.com. Read the full story here.