Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) president and veteran Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar Saturday said that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb ruled for 50 years and instead of abusing him people should be aware of the history.
Ambedkar was speaking to reporters after visiting the Aurangzeb memorial in Aurangabad and offering floral tributes at the Mughal ruler’s grave.
“What’s wrong in visiting the Aurangzeb memorial? He was a Mughal emperor who ruled here for 50 years. Can we wipe out history?” asks Ambedkar.
He went on to say: “Instead of abusing Aurangzeb we should reflect on why he ruled here. What were the reasons… We should be mindful of our past. And instead of spreading hatred let us reconcile to facts and look at it as historical past.”
“There is a deliberate attempt to politicise these issues. Had I been in place of Chief Miniter Eknath Shinde, I would have ended these controversies within 24 hours,” the VBA chief said, referring to the arrests of Muslims posting pictures of Aurangzeb on social media.
Ambedkar further said the visit will not have any adverse impact on his party’s alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT).
