Delhi BJP leader objects to Aurangzeb site revamp

Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor has written to Union Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel urging him to review the decision to revamp Sheesh Mahal, the site of the coronation of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, in north-west Delhi.

"Auranzeb was the most hated ruler who forced lakhs of Hindus to convert to Islam... history holds him as the most cruel ruler. The people of the country irrespective of religion, caste or creed disapprove of Aurangzeb's conduct," Kapoor's letter said.

He said as a Delhiite, he is "deeply disturbed to know that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to conserve a monument related to cruel ruler Aurangzeb whose memory should not be celebrated".

However, he said, he has no objection if the monument area is developed and the neighbourhood park in Shalimar Bagh, where the monument is located, is transformed.

He also demanded that the park be named after Abdul Hamid, the Param Vir Chakra winner who laid down his life for the nation in 1965 war against Pakistan.-IANS