JD-U MLC's Praise for Aurangzeb Sparks Controversy in Bihar Assembly
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Synopsis
A statement by JD-U MLC Khalid Anwar, referring to Aurangzeb as a 'good king', caused significant backlash in the Bihar Assembly, leading to calls for his expulsion from the party amid rising political tensions.
Key Takeaways
- Khalid Anwar's praise for Aurangzeb leads to uproar.
- Party leaders demand his expulsion and prosecution.
- Critics label Aurangzeb as a cruel ruler.
- Political tensions rise ahead of the 2025 elections.
- Debate on historical figures continues to polarize opinions.
Patna, March 6 (NationPress) A controversial remark made by JD-U MLC Khalid Anwar, who described the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb as a “good king”, sparked significant uproar both inside and outside the Bihar Assembly on Thursday.
Members of his own party and coalition partners have vocally opposed his comments, with some calling for his expulsion from the party and suggesting he be sent to Pakistan.
Khalid Anwar stated, “Aurangzeb was not a cruel ruler, but a good king. He did not destroy temples. Historians should discuss this, rather than political leaders like Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath,” remarked Khalid Anwar, a JD-U MLC.
Anwar further condemned the suspension of SP MLA Abu Azmi for praising Aurangzeb in another assembly, labeling it as “wrong”.
In the wake of Anwar's declaration, JD-U leaders have distanced themselves from him.
Sanjeev Kumar Singh, JD-U MLA from Parbatta in Khagaria district, responded, “Aurangzeb was the cruellest ruler of India. He persecuted Hindus and demolished temples. Anyone who praises him should be sent to Pakistan and prosecuted for treason.”
BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur Bachol commented, “Aurangzeb imposed taxes on non-Muslims and forced conversions. He was a cruel ruler. I demand the renaming of Bakhtiyarpur and Aurangabad in Bihar.”
RJD MLA Rinku Singh asserted that in a democracy, everyone has the right to express their opinions.
“Khalid Anwar is not the Chief Minister, so his statement should not be interpreted as the official stance of the party,” he stated.
This controversy has exacerbated the divisions within JD-U and its coalition, with some JD-U and BJP leaders pressuring Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to take action against Khalid Anwar.
With the Bihar Assembly Elections of 2025 approaching, such divisive discussions are likely to further polarize the political arena.
RJD MLA Bhai Virendra criticized the JD-U and BJP over this matter, claiming that the BJP only knows how to incite hysteria.
“The public has figured out who was accountable for the Godhra incident,” Bhai Virendra remarked.
He also took aim at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, referencing the Supreme Court's decision to restore Sunil Singh's membership in the Bihar Legislative Council.
“Nitish Kumar received a severe blow from the Supreme Court when it reinstated Sunil Singh’s membership,” Bhai Virendra concluded.
