GUWAHATI: A controversy has erupted in Assam following an All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) MLA’s claim that Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb granted the land to Kamakhya Mandir.
"Firmans (official order) are still there about land given to Kamakhya Mandir," AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam said. He stated that the Mughal emperor donated land across the country including in Benaras.
Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma has responded to the matter. "Under my Government, such statements will not be tolerated. He can talk about economics and even criticise us. No one should drag Kamakhya, Sankardev, and even Prophet Mohammad," CM Sarma said.
Leader of the Opposition, Debabrata Saikia has criticised the comments made by the Assam CM. "We are a democratic country. We need to find out whether the comments made are genuine or not. But, telling people that they will be sent to jail is not right," Debabrata Saikia said.
He further stated that a history book published by Asom Sahitya Sabha had mentioned about donations made by Aurangzeb in Assam including granting land to Umananda Temple. "Aurangzeb continued to make the land grants made by previous kings, and didn't cancel but renewed the old grants. Unlike the BJP that cancelled policies of Congress due to politics," Saikia said.
