Amit Shah Refers to Aurangzeb's Tomb as 'Samadhi'; Sushma Andhare Slams Statement on Twitter

The comment has drawn sharp criticism from several political leaders, notably Sushma Andhare, Deputy Leader of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), who took to social media to voice her disapproval.

Sushma Andhare's Reaction on Twitter

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Andhare condemned the use of the word "samadhi" for Aurangzeb, calling it not just a linguistic error, but an ideological insult.

“Standing on sacred ground like Raigad and referring to the grave of a tyrant like Aurangzeb as ‘samadhi’ is more than a slip of the tongue. It is an insult to the values of Shivbhakts and the idea of Swarajya. The term ‘samadhi’ is meant for saints, martyrs, and national heroes — not for invaders like Aurangzeb,” she tweeted.

What Did Amit Shah Say?

In his speech, Shah praised the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, referencing the fierce resistance offered by the Marathas against the Mughal empire. He stated:

“Mother Jijau instilled the values in young Shivaji. On those values, Shivaji Maharaj built the banyan tree of Hindavi Swarajya. Sambhaji Maharaj, Tarabai, Dhanaji, and Santaji fought against Aurangzeb till the end — and eventually, his ‘samadhi’ was built in Maharashtra. Every child in India should learn this Shivacharitra.”

It was this reference to Aurangzeb's burial site in Khuldabad as a ‘samadhi’ that sparked the backlash.

Cultural and Political Implications

The term “samadhi” in Indian tradition denotes the resting place of spiritual leaders, saints, and patriots — those held in high esteem by society. Applying it to Aurangzeb, who is widely criticized in Maharashtra’s historical narrative for his role in suppressing the Maratha Empire and executing Sambhaji Maharaj, has raised questions over historical sensitivity and cultural context.

Political analysts say the controversy reflects the deeply rooted symbolic value of Maharashtra’s historical figures, particularly Shivaji Maharaj, and the public's sensitivity to how their legacies are framed in political discourse.

No Clarification from Amit Shah Yet

As of now, Amit Shah has not issued a clarification regarding his use of the term. However, the incident has quickly gained traction on social media and is being widely discussed across political and public platforms.