During a recent address in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lambasted political parties for their admiration of historic figures such as Aurangzeb, Babur, and Ghaznavi. He stated that this type of honouring is not just an insult to the country but it is also an affront to Indian Muslims.
Cognizant of Issues in Praising Certain Historical Figures
Singh articulated not understanding the rationale of defending dominators that invaded and conquered India. Singh further stated, “If Babur, Taimur, Aurangzeb and Ghaznavi are praised in Pakistan, then it is understandable because both their policy and politics are anti India. Whatever missiles they (Pakistan) have made, they have named them after invaders like Babur, Ghaznavi. We understand Pakistan’s anti India stand but what is the compulsion of these people? Do they think that if they support Babur, Taimur, Aurangzeb, Ghaznavi, they will be embraced by the Muslim community? By doing this, they are also disparaging the Muslim community of the country.”
Encouraging the Recognition of All National Heroes
With Singh stressing that India has a rich and diverse culture, Singh highlighted the contrary examples of Indian might such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Maharana Pratap. He remarked, “We do not do politics of religion. For us, all Indians are equal.
This is something we were told by our forefathers. While learning about our idols like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and Maharana Pratap, it was evident how they never discriminated among people based on religion. They have always worked for the welfare of the people with the ideologies of Ram-Rajya.”
Singh pointed out how some historians have outwardly idolized invaders and viewed Indian national heroes as secondary figures, and how this remains a reality. He urged that this “historical injustice” needs to be fixed. Also focus on informing the youth about true heroes to the nation. He has commented, “We have been given a distorted version of history. There is a responsibility to provide the correct information and history to the youths and explain that there is more to Maharana Pratap and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj than just history books.”
With the ongoing debates on changing names of places associated with former rulers like Aurangzeb, Singh justified these actions as renaming these places to elevate national sentiment.
He asked, “What is the problem with changing the name of Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and renaming Aurangzeb Road in Delhi as APJ Abdul Kalam Road?”…” It makes sense to him to replace names that are evocative of tyranny with those demonstrating national pride and progress.”
Advocating for Equality and Togetherness
In Singh’s words, BJP does not indulge in the politics of religion, nor does it partake in the divisive politics of particularism for any religion. All Indians, in Singh’s words, are equal. He quoted some Muslims who contributed immensely to the forces of Maharana Pratap and Shivaji Maharaj and pointed out how these leaders were very broad-minded.
Singh claimed, “Both Rana Pratap and Shivaji Maharaj weren’t anti-Muslim.”
Singh’s comments reveal the still continuing argument within India (and outside) about Indian history textbooks and the ever-growing need to celebrate those who truly resonate with the spirit of India as we know it – united, diverse, and anti-oppressive.
