Political Turmoil Erupts Over Abu Azmi's Defense of Aurangzeb
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Synopsis
Maharashtra's Samajwadi Party chief, Abu Azmi, has sparked a political firestorm by defending Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, claiming he was not cruel. His comments have drawn sharp criticism from various political leaders, leading to an FIR against him and calls for an apology.
Key Takeaways
- Abu Azmi defends Aurangzeb, igniting controversy.
- Political leaders across parties condemn his remarks.
- FIR filed against Azmi for his statements.
- Calls for an apology and sedition charges arise.
- Debate on historical interpretations ensues.
Mumbai, March 4 (NationPress) The leader of the Maharashtra Samajwadi Party (SP), Abu Azmi, has ignited a significant political controversy after he came to the defense of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir, claiming he was "not a cruel leader."
Azmi's remarks have faced severe backlash from political figures across the spectrum, with many labeling it an affront to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
In light of the uproar, a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against Azmi at the Wagle Estate Police Station in Thane, following a complaint 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 moved to the Marine Drive Police Station.
Leaders from multiple political parties have criticized Azmi's statements, branding them as "anti-national" and "baseless," while demanding an apology.
Shiv Sena leader and Minister Sanjay Sirsat remarked to IANS, "If Abu Azmi admires Aurangzeb so much, he should consider changing his name to Aurangzeb."
"Aurangzeb was an authoritarian ruler who brutally executed Sambhaji Maharaj. He inflicted suffering upon women, raped them, and even imprisoned his own father. What kind of king was he? If Abu Azmi admires him, he should rename himself," he added.
In comments to IANS, BJP MLA Ram Kadam said, "Either Abu Azmi is ignorant of history or is intentionally misleading the public. What did Aurangzeb do to his own brother? He commanded his execution in court. Can a son imprison his father? How were Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj deceived and murdered? Can history be erased?"
"Has he forgotten about the destruction of temples? We honor all societal segments, but does Abu Azmi not recognize this? Does he wish to erase history and fabricate his own? He must apologize to the entire nation," he added, calling for a "sedition case against Azmi."
Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande criticized Azmi, stating, "His comments indicate he is not in sound mind. If he made such statements in another country, only he knows what would happen to him."
Congress leader Bhai Jagtap also rebuked the SP MLA, stating to IANS, "Responsible figures should avoid such rhetoric, as it fosters a negative atmosphere in the country. I condemn these remarks."
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut dismissed Azmi's comments, saying, "Does Abu Azmi write history? Is he a researcher? There’s no need to take him seriously. Why should we give someone like him so much attention?"
The fallout from this controversy has reached nationwide, with leaders from Uttar Pradesh also weighing in.
UP Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak accused the Samajwadi Party of being "anti-national," asserting, "All anti-national forces flourish under their protection. Just as Mughal invaders failed to obliterate India’s culture, today we can confidently state that Indian culture has illuminated the path forward for the world."
Additionally, UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya remarked, "The spirit of the brutal Mughal ruler Aurangzeb has infiltrated the Samajwadi Party. Akhilesh Yadav must apologize for this, and swift action should be taken against Abu Azmi. The nation will not tolerate any disrespect towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj; Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and the entire country will respond robustly."
Uttar Pradesh Minister Daya Shankar Singh stated, "Aurangzeb was an invader responsible for the destruction of Indian culture and civilization. Praising such an individual in this manner is utterly inappropriate."
The controversy ignited when Azmi spoke to reporters in Mumbai during the opening of the Maharashtra Assembly session. In response to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's recent comparison of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to Aurangzeb, Azmi contended that the Mughal emperor was being mischaracterized.
"Aurangzeb commissioned the construction of several temples. In Varanasi, he rescued a Hindu girl from a priest with malicious intentions, punishing the priest by trampling him with elephants," he stated.
Defending his position, he elaborated, "I do not see Aurangzeb as a cruel ruler. The power struggles during that period were political rather than religious. Aurangzeb's army included many Hindus, just as Chhatrapati Shivaji's forces comprised numerous Muslims."
