BJP’s Attempt to Invoke Bajrang Bali Fails as it Digs up Long Dead Aurangzeb in Karnataka

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for political purposes in Maharashtra, after the BJP’s attempts to evoke Bajrang Bali failed in neighbouring Karnataka. The Shiv Sena (UBT), in an editorial in its publication ‘Saamana’, criticised political parties for exhuming Aurangzeb for political gains and accused the BJP of digging up the grave of a Mughal Emperor who died three centuries ago. The BJP had used Lord Hanuman in its campaign in Karnataka and lost the Assembly polls to the Congress. Meanwhile, right-wing outfits carried out violent protests in Kolhapur over the use of an offensive audio message and image of 18th century ruler Tipu Sultan as their social media status. The Shiv Sena (UBT) said the protests were being carried out by outside groups and accused some political parties of dividing the state for electoral gain. Aurangzeb, who is buried in Aurangabad, is a loathed figure in Maharashtra for his campaigns against legendary warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his orders for the execution of the latter’s son Chhatrapati Sambhaji.