Amid the political row over the renaming Aurangabad to Sambhajinagar, Shiv Sena chief spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday reiterated that Aurangabad is Sambhajinagar for Shiv Sanik and will remain so.
While speaking to reporters on this Raut said, “I don’t know. Maharashtra Chief Minister has clearly said that for us, it is Sambhajinagar and will remain so.”
On being asked why Congress is opposing the renaming of Aurangabad to Sambhajinagar, the Shiv Sena leader stated that it’s a matter of people’s feelings, so the party can discuss it but the decision has been taken.
Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena on Sunday took a jibe at its ally Congress and attacked it for being “secular” and opposing the name change, as the issue of renaming Aurangabad to Sambhajinagar snowballs into a controversy.
“I don’t know. Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray has clearly said that for us, it is Sambhajinagar and will remain so”, added Sena senior leader.
On Sunday, the party took a jibe at its ally Congress and attacked it for being “secular” and opposing the name change, as the issue of renaming Aurangabad to Sambhajinagar snowballs into a controversy.
An editorial in Shiv Sena’s mouthpiece “Saamana” said that the renaming of Aurangabad might affect the vote bank of “secular parties” as the renaming will upset the Muslim society.
The editorial mentioned, “India’s constitution is secular… Aurangzeb had a strong hatred for other religions. He tortured Sikhs and Hindus. Why should we pay attention to their relics? Who was Aurangzeb? At least, Maharashtra does not need to explain this…..Therefore, there is no reason for a true Marathi and hardcore Hindu to have an attachment for Aurangzeb.”
Shiv Sena along with NCP and Congress formed Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi Government in the state after breaking its 30 years alliance with BJP. Reportedly, MVA had completed one year in office last year.
