Deputy CM Shinde Calls for Sedition Case Against Abu Azmi for Praising Aurangzeb

Mumbai, March 3 (NationPress) Samajwadi Party legislator Abu Azmi ignited significant controversy on Monday, the inaugural day of the Maharashtra legislature's budget session, by asserting that Aurangzeb was an exemplary administrator and that during his era, India was referred to as 'Sone ki Chidiya'.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took a firm stance, insisting that a sedition case should be filed against Azmi, asserting that lauding Aurangzeb amounts to a grave sin. Shinde labeled Azmi a traitor, further stating, 'Speaking against those who demonstrate patriotism is treason.'

Following Shinde's strong denunciation of Azmi's remarks, activists from Shiv Sena filed a complaint at Marine Drive police station in south Mumbai, while the party’s Thane MP submitted a report at Wagle Estate police station.

In a media statement, Azmi remarked, 'History is being misrepresented. Aurangzeb constructed numerous temples. I do not view Aurangzeb as a cruel ruler. The conflict between Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Aurangzeb was a dispute over state governance, not a religious one.' He added, 'I believe that during Aurangzeb's reign, India's borders reached Afghanistan and our GDP was 24 percent. At that time, India was dubbed Sone ki Chidiya. How can I claim that is incorrect? Additionally, I do not perceive the clash between Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Aurangzeb as a religious conflict.'

Shinde responded sharply, stating, 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj are our revered icons. Aurangzeb brutally murdered Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj after subjecting him to 40 days of torture.'

He continued, 'If you watch the film ‘Chhaava’, it will give you chills. It depicts the valor of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and the brutality of Aurangzeb. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj held religious pride, refusing to relinquish his pride in his faith, his nation, and his patriotism. It is extremely unfortunate to glorify such a religious hero, Sambhaji Maharaj, who suffered a brutal death.'

Shinde emphasized, 'Condemning such statements is insufficient. A sedition case must be initiated against Abu Azmi. Sambhaji Maharaj sacrificed his life for the nation. Praising Aurangzeb as a commendable administrator is a profound sin. Abu Azmi must apologize.'

NCP chief spokesperson Anand Paranjape also dismissed Azmi's assertions, stating, 'Aurangzeb divided Hindus and Muslims, destroyed numerous temples, and considering the savage execution of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, he indeed was a cruel ruler.'

Shiv Sena spokesman Anand Dubey also criticized Azmi for glorifying Aurangzeb.

Azmi’s remarks were met with backlash from both ruling and opposition parties, particularly in light of the overwhelming audience response to the Vicky Kaushal film ‘Chhaava’, which portrays the immense atrocities inflicted by Aurangzeb upon Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.