On Wednesday, the Maharashtra Assembly suspended Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Abu Asim Azmi from the House for the remainder of the ongoing budget session over his remarks on Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. His comments sparked backlash, with the Opposition accusing him of “treason.”
Abu Asim Azmi’s comments praising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb stirred controversy in the Maharashtra legislature on Tuesday. Members of the ruling Mahayuti alliance demanded his suspension, leading Azmi to withdraw his remarks. The uproar resulted in both Houses of the state legislature being adjourned for the day.
Azmi stated in a post on X that his remarks had been misunderstood."Whatever I said about Aurangzeb has been stated by historians and writers. I did not insult Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, or any national icons. However, if anyone was hurt by my remarks, I take them back."Azmi stated that his remarks were being misinterpreted and accused opponents of politicizing the issue, adding that disrupting the budget session was harmful to the people of Maharashtra.
Abu Azmi further stated that if anything were to befall him or his family, the Maharashtra government would be held accountable. Meanwhile, in Delhi, the BJP capitalized on his remarks by accusing the Congress and other opposition parties of attempting to undermine Sanatan Dharma.
Legislative proceedings saw Mahayuti members demanding action against Azmi, accusing him of being a descendant of Aurangzeb. Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde led the opposition in both the council and assembly, highlighting Azmi's history of making objectionable remarks about Shivaji Maharaj. "Azmi is deliberately insulting Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj. Sambhaji’s bravery and Aurangzeb’s cruelty will send chills down people’s spines," Shinde remarked.
Shinde sharply criticized Azmi for praising Aurangzeb as an "able administrator," pointing out that the Mughal emperor razed the Kashi Vishveshwar temple. He labeled Aurangzeb a "demon" and argued that even devout Muslims would condemn the' descendants. Shinde demanded Azmi's expulsion from the House, calling him a "traitor," and urged SP MLA Raees Shaikh to watch the film Chhaava, which celebrates Sambhaji Maharaj's bravery.
MLA Abu Azmi Faces Suspension for Controversial Aurangzeb Comments
On Wednesday, the Maharashtra Assembly suspended Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Abu Asim Azmi from the House for the remainder of the ongoing budget session over his remarks on Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
On Wednesday, the Maharashtra Assembly suspended Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Abu Asim Azmi from the House for the remainder of the ongoing budget session over his remarks on Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. His comments sparked backlash, with the Opposition accusing him of “treason.”
Abu Asim Azmi’s comments praising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb stirred controversy in the Maharashtra legislature on Tuesday. Members of the ruling Mahayuti alliance demanded his suspension, leading Azmi to withdraw his remarks. The uproar resulted in both Houses of the state legislature being adjourned for the day.
Azmi stated in a post on X that his remarks had been misunderstood."Whatever I said about Aurangzeb has been stated by historians and writers. I did not insult Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, or any national icons. However, if anyone was hurt by my remarks, I take them back."Azmi stated that his remarks were being misinterpreted and accused opponents of politicizing the issue, adding that disrupting the budget session was harmful to the people of Maharashtra.
Abu Azmi further stated that if anything were to befall him or his family, the Maharashtra government would be held accountable. Meanwhile, in Delhi, the BJP capitalized on his remarks by accusing the Congress and other opposition parties of attempting to undermine Sanatan Dharma.
Legislative proceedings saw Mahayuti members demanding action against Azmi, accusing him of being a descendant of Aurangzeb. Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde led the opposition in both the council and assembly, highlighting Azmi's history of making objectionable remarks about Shivaji Maharaj. "Azmi is deliberately insulting Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj. Sambhaji’s bravery and Aurangzeb’s cruelty will send chills down people’s spines," Shinde remarked.
Shinde sharply criticized Azmi for praising Aurangzeb as an "able administrator," pointing out that the Mughal emperor razed the Kashi Vishveshwar temple. He labeled Aurangzeb a "demon" and argued that even devout Muslims would condemn the' descendants. Shinde demanded Azmi's expulsion from the House, calling him a "traitor," and urged SP MLA Raees Shaikh to watch the film Chhaava, which celebrates Sambhaji Maharaj's bravery.