'People with an Invader Mentality..,' RSS Leader Dattatreya Hosabale Drops Big Statement on Aurangzeb Controversy, Calls Them Threat to the Nation

The controversy over Aurangzeb’s tomb has intensified in recent days, leading to violent clashes between two communities in Nagpur. Several people, including police officers, were injured in the violence, bringing national attention to the issue. Amid this turmoil, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has also responded strongly. With political debates heating up over the matter, RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale has expressed his views, adding another dimension to the ongoing discussions.

Dattatreya Hosabale’s Strong Statement on the Aurangzeb Controversy

A video of Dattatreya Hosabale addressing people in Bengaluru was shared by ANI on X. Speaking about the matter, he said, "There have been a lot of incidents in the past. There was an 'Aurangzeb Road' in Delhi, which was renamed Abdul Kalam Road. There was some reason behind it. Aurangzeb's brother, Dara Shikoh, was not made a hero. Those who advocate the Ganga-Jamuni culture never thought of bringing Dara Shikoh forward. Are we going to iconize someone who was against the ethos of India, or are we going to go with those who worked according to the traditions of this land?"

Watch Here:

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnata | General Secretary of RSS, Dattatreya Hosabale, says, "... There have been a lot of incidents in the past. There was an 'Aurangzeb Road' in Delhi, which was renamed Abdul Kalam Road. There was some reason behind it. Aurangzeb's brother, Dara Shikoh,… pic.twitter.com/hHAXzyCZGS

— ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2025

He further added, "If the freedom fighting is done against Britishers, then it is a freedom fight. The fight against those who were before them (Britishers) was also a freedom movement. What Maharana Pratap did was fight for freedom. If there are people with an invader mentality, then they are a danger to the country... We have to decide whom we are going to associate with the ethos of our country... It is not about religion... This is RSS's firm view..."

How the Aurangzeb Tomb Controversy Led to Nagpur Violence

According to reports, the controversy erupted when the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged a protest in Nagpur against Aurangzeb’s tomb. What began as a demonstration soon escalated into large-scale violence. Rioters pelted stones at homes and set fire to vehicles parked on the streets. Nagpur police were also attacked, with 33 officers, including three deputy commissioners, sustaining injuries. Several vehicles were vandalised during the unrest.

As the violence spiraled out of control, authorities had to impose a curfew in multiple areas to restore order.