Abu Azmi Clarifies His Remarks on Rahul's Aurangzeb Analogy
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Synopsis
On March 4, Abu Azmi clarified his controversial remarks about Aurangzeb, insisting he did not intend to praise the Mughal ruler or insult Maratha warriors, as claimed by Maharashtra's ruling parties. His comments arose from questioning related to Assam CM's comparison between Rahul Gandhi and Aurangzeb.
Key Takeaways
- Abu Azmi clarifies his remarks regarding Aurangzeb.
- Claims his comments were taken out of context.
- Accuses ruling parties of political manipulation.
- Receives threats and considers police protection.
- Withdraws statement acknowledging hurt caused to some.
Mumbai, March 4 (NationPress) Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abu Azmi, whose comments regarding Aurangzeb ignited significant controversy, stepped forward to provide clarity, asserting that he did not aim to praise or glorify the Mughal emperor or disparage Maratha heroes and other national figures, as alleged by the ruling factions in Maharashtra, especially the BJP and Shiv Sena.
In an interview with IANS concerning the ongoing uproar, Abu Azmi explained that his comments were a response to a probing inquiry rather than a proclamation about Aurangzeb.
“I was pressed by television journalists to comment on the Assam CM's comparison between Rahul Gandhi and Aurangzeb. It was only in that context that I mentioned the Aurangzeb era,” he stated.
He further noted that his statements are referenced in works by several historians.
“I simply quoted from texts authored by historians such as Satish Chandra, Dr Rajeev Dikshit, Meena Bharagava, and others. I relayed what they have documented regarding the Aurangzeb period,” Abu Azmi remarked while facing backlash from all political groups.
On Sunday, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma referenced Aurangzeb to criticize leaders of the INDIA coalition for their perceived attempts to undermine Hinduism.
During an event in Kolkata, Himanta remarked, "Aurangzeb pledged to eradicate Hinduism, yet it endured beyond the Mughal dynasty. I want to inform Mamata Banerjee and Rahul Gandhi that if they believe they can extinguish Hinduism, they will be the ones to fade away. Hinduism is everlasting.”
Abu Azmi also asserted that his remarks had been misrepresented and taken out of context for a specific political agenda.
“There is a clear strategy to polarize communities and exploit the situation for political gain by maligning my character,” he contended.
The Samajwadi Party MLA disclosed to the media that he has been subjected to numerous abusive messages and threats, indicating his intention to approach the police commissioner for enhanced security.
He expressed that those in power are the individuals inciting controversy over his remarks, resulting in minimal expectation of state support.
Earlier today, the SP leader released a video statement indicating that he was retracting his comments about Aurangzeb, acknowledging that some individuals were offended by his words.
