“India’s Ideals Never Anti-Islam or Anti-Muslim”: Rajnath Singh Cites History to Emphasize Unity, Slams Aurangzeb Glorification

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Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar: In a powerful statement aimed at reinforcing India’s legacy of communal harmony, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday asserted that the country’s civilizational ideals have never been anti-Islam or anti-Muslim. Addressing a public gathering in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Singh invoked historical examples to highlight the deep-rooted tradition of inclusivity and unity in India’s freedom struggle and beyond.

“Our ideals were not at all anti-Islam and anti-Muslim,” Singh said. “Hakim Khan Suri fought alongside Maharana Pratap in the battle of Haldighati against the Mughals. Even in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s army, there were members of the Muslim community. Shivaji’s most trusted bodyguard was a Muslim youth named Madari. Maharana Pratap and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj are our heroes.”

The Defence Minister also criticized what he called the “distorted glorification” of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb in Indian history books, claiming it leads to misplaced admiration for a ruler whose legacy is rooted in oppression.

“In our history books, even a cruel and ruthless ruler like Aurangzeb has been presented in a glorified manner. Due to this distorted history, some people attempt to portray Aurangzeb as a hero. An attempt is being made to create sympathy for Aurangzeb without knowing the truth…” Singh remarked.

Quoting India’s first Prime Minister, Singh added, “Pandit Nehru himself called Aurangzeb a fanatic and bigoted ruler. He wrote that Aurangzeb imposed the Jizya tax on Hindus and tried to suppress Rajputs, Sikhs, Marathas, and others. He also destroyed many Hindu temples.”

Singh further recalled the killing of Dara Shikoh, Aurangzeb’s elder brother and a scholar known for translating the Upanishads. “How can such a ruler be anyone’s hero? Such people never talk about Dara Shikoh. Who got Dara Shikoh killed? Aurangzeb got him killed. His hatred for Sanatan culture was behind Dara Shikoh’s murder,” Singh said.

The Defence Minister’s remarks come amid ongoing political and social debates in Maharashtra surrounding Aurangzeb’s legacy. The Mughal ruler remains a controversial figure, especially in the state where his historical conflicts with the Maratha Empire, including the capture and execution of Sambhaji Maharaj, are deeply remembered.

Recent incidents, including violent clashes in Nagpur and the suspension of Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi for defending Aurangzeb as a “good administrator,” have kept the discourse alive in the state’s political circles.

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