Azmi's Suspension Extended Until Budget Session Ends for Disrespecting Chhatrapati Sambhaji; Maharashtra Assembly Embarrassed
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Synopsis
The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has resolved to suspend Abu Azmi of the Samajwadi Party until the conclusion of the ongoing Budget Session, due to his controversial comments about Aurangzeb and the disrespect shown towards Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
Key Takeaways
- Abu Azmi suspended till end of Budget Session.
- Controversial remarks about Aurangzeb sparked outrage.
- Resolution passed by voice vote in Maharashtra Assembly.
- Opposition demanded action against disrespect towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
- Speaker Rahul Narwekar oversees voting process.
Mumbai, March 5 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Wednesday enacted a resolution through a voice vote to suspend Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi until the current Budget Session concludes.
This resolution was prompted by Azmi's praise of Aurangzeb and the offense caused to the dignity of the House by defaming Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
The resolution was introduced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandrakant Patil.
BJP member Sudhir Mungantiwar recommended that Azmi's suspension should extend beyond the Budget Session and cover his entire term.
Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar stated that the Opposition would not accept the glorification of Aurangzeb, insisting that measures be taken against anyone insulting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Subsequently, Speaker Rahul Narwekar called for a vote on the resolution, which passed amid the Opposition chanting slogans like “Shivaji Maharaj ki jai.”
The resolution to suspend Azmi until the end of the Budget Session followed his retraction of a controversial remark suggesting that Aurangzeb should be viewed not as a “cruel ruler but as an administrator.”
On Tuesday, both Houses of the state legislature had been adjourned after members from the Treasury Benches voiced strong objections to Azmi’s comments.
In statements made on Monday within the premises of the Vidhan Bhavan, Azmi had claimed, “Aurangzeb was a remarkable administrator and during his reign, India was referred to as 'Sone ki Chidiyan' (golden bird). Under Aurangzeb's governance, India's GDP reached 24%, which attracted the British to our country.”
He added, “Inaccurate historical narratives are being propagated. Aurangzeb constructed numerous temples. I do not regard Aurangzeb as a cruel administrator. Additionally, the conflict between Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Aurangzeb was about governance rather than a religious battle between Hindus and Muslims.”
This stance faced vehement opposition from MahaYuti legislators, with Shiv Sena filing complaints against Azmi in Marine Drive and Thane, calling for action under the sedition law.
