Abu Azmi Recants Controversial Statements on Aurangzeb
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Synopsis
Abu Azmi, Maharashtra SP MLA, retracts his remarks praising Aurangzeb after backlash. He clarified his statements were misinterpreted and emphasized respect for historical figures. This followed an FIR filed against him for his comments.
Key Takeaways
- Abu Azmi retracted praise for Aurangzeb.
- Faced backlash from multiple political leaders.
- Clarified respect for Chhatrapati Shivaji and others.
- FIR filed against him in Thane.
- Controversy arose from comments made in Assembly session.
Mumbai, March 4 (NationPress) Abu Azmi, the chief of the Samajwadi Party (SP) in Maharashtra and a sitting MLA, has retracted his inflammatory comments regarding the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. This decision came after he faced severe criticism from various political figures.
Azmi stated that his remarks had been misinterpreted, clarifying that he meant no disrespect towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj or Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
His earlier assertion that Aurangzeb was “not a cruel leader” ignited a political uproar, leading to accusations of him disrespecting respected Maratha leaders. Numerous critics labeled him as “anti-national” and called for a sedition case against him.
In response to the backlash, Azmi shared a video on X, defending his statements. He explained, “Yesterday, on March 3, after the Assembly session, I was informed by the media that Assam's Chief Minister compared Rahul Gandhi to Aurangzeb. My comments about Aurangzeb were exaggerated as if a storm had struck. I have not insulted anyone.”
He reiterated his admiration for national icons, saying, “I respect Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, and all great individuals who fought for equality in society.”
Elaborating on his earlier comments, Azmi noted, “When I referenced a historian’s book on Aurangzeb, I never intended to speak ill of our revered figures. If my remarks, distorted by others, have caused offense, I retract them. The Assembly’s work is essential, and it should not be hindered by this matter.”
This retraction followed the filing of an FIR against him at the Wagle Estate Police Station in Thane, initiated by Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske. He has been charged under Sections 299, 302, 356(1), and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), with the case now being handled by the Marine Drive Police Station.
The controversy began when Azmi responded to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s comparisons of political leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee to Aurangzeb during a press conference at the commencement of the Maharashtra Assembly session.
He claimed, “Aurangzeb constructed numerous temples. In Varanasi, he rescued a Hindu girl from a priest with ill intentions, having the priest trampled by elephants.”
He further asserted, “I do not regard Aurangzeb as a cruel ruler. The power struggles of that time were political rather than religious. Aurangzeb’s army included many Hindus, just as Chhatrapati Shivaji’s army contained numerous Muslims.”
