Dy CM Eknath Shinde directs to enhance grant for the temple linked to Shivaji, HJS demands stop grants to Aurangzeb tomb.

Government Spending Sparks Controversy: Aurangzeb’s Tomb Gets ₹2 Lakh, And Chhatrapati Shivaji’s Temple ₹3000 Annually.

The government spends around ₹2 lakh every year on Aurangzeb’s tomb, while allocating a mere ₹3,000 annually for Chhatrapati Shivaji’s temple. This raises a significant question: why is there such a stark disparity in the government’s funding for these two historical figures? 

Shivaprakash Shinde | HENB | Mumbai | March 29, 2025:: A recent Right to Information (RTI) revelation has exposed a significant disparity in government funding for historical monuments, sparking widespread outrage and demands for accountability.

According to documents obtained through RTI, the government allocates approximately ₹2 lakh annually for the maintenance of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad, Maharashtra. In stark contrast, Chhatrapati Shivaji’s temple in Raigad receives a paltry ₹250 per month.

Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, a right-wing organization, has condemned the government’s alleged bias, demanding an immediate halt to funding for Aurangzeb’s tomb.

“This is a clear case of discrimination against Hindu icons and a blatant waste of taxpayer money,” said Mohan Gowda, national spokesperson for Hindu Janajagruti Samiti. “We demand that the government stop funding Aurangzeb’s tomb and provide substantial support to Chhatrapati Shivaji’s temple instead.”

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), responsible for maintaining Aurangzeb’s tomb, has spent ₹2,55,160 in 2021-22 and ₹2,00,636 in 2022-23 on its upkeep.

The controversy has sparked heated debates on social media, with many questioning the government’s priorities and calling for greater transparency in public spending.

“This is a classic case of misplaced priorities,” said historian and author, Vikram Sampath. “It’s high time the government reevaluates its spending and allocates funds in a more equitable and transparent manner.”

The government has yet to respond to the allegations, fueling further speculation and outrage.

As the controversy continues to simmer, one thing is clear: the government’s spending habits are under intense scrutiny, and the people demand answers.

Meanwhile, a delegation from the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti met Maharashtra  Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to stop huge allocation of Government fund to Aurangzeb tomb, depriving the same for temple linked with Chatrapati Shivaji.  Responding positively, Shri. Shinde issued a written directive to the Revenue Department Secretary to immediately submit a proposal to increase the monthly grant for Shri Shivrajeshwar Temple from ₹250 to ₹50,000. To set an example, Shinde personally donated ₹50,000 to the temple and assured regular financial support in the future. The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti expressed gratitude for his prompt and positive action.

HJs also highlighted that during the Congress regime at the Centre, funds have been allocated for Aurangzeb’s tomb since 2012. Until November 2023, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had spent over ₹6.50 lakhs on its maintenance. delegatesof HJS  argued that Aurangzeb, a cruel invader who brutally tortured and killed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, does not deserve such recognition. Spending government funds on his tomb is an insult to Maharashtra’s pride and self-respect. Therefore, the Samiti demanded that this funding be stopped and a substantial grant be allocated for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Temple instead.

 Satish Sonar, Ravi Nalawade, and Shiv Sena MLA from Nanded,  Anand Bondarkar, were present on behalf of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti in the team of delegates which met Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
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__Inputs from Agencies.