SP and SS (UBT) Leaders Split Over Abu Azmi's Praise for Aurangzeb and His Suspension
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Synopsis
The Samajwadi Party and Shiv Sena (UBT) are divided over the controversy surrounding Abu Azmi's praise for Aurangzeb, leading to his suspension from the Maharashtra Assembly. Uddhav Thackeray supports the suspension, while Akhilesh Yadav criticizes it as a childish move, accusing the BJP of suppressing free speech.
Key Takeaways
- Controversy arises from Abu Azmi's remarks about Aurangzeb.
- Uddhav Thackeray advocates for Azmi's suspension.
- Akhilesh Yadav defends Azmi, calling the suspension childish.
- BJP accused of stifling free speech.
- Abu Azmi's claims about Aurangzeb spark outrage.
New Delhi, March 5 (NationPress) The Samajwadi Party (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT), two prominent allies within the INDIA Bloc, appear to be at odds regarding the controversy surrounding the remarks made by Abu Azmi, the SP MLA from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, and his subsequent suspension from the Maharashtra Assembly.
Abu Azmi's commendation of Aurangzeb has sparked a significant political uproar in Maharashtra, with various political factions condemning his statements for glorifying the Mughal conqueror and disrespecting the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj. As a result of mounting pressure, the SP legislator was suspended from the Assembly on Wednesday.
During a press briefing, Uddhav Thackeray, the chief of SS (UBT), endorsed Azmi's suspension, asserting, “Azmi should not only be suspended for the current session but for all future Assembly sessions as well.”
Conversely, the SP leader offered his unwavering support for Abu Azmi, labeling his suspension as a “childish move.” SP chief Akhilesh Yadav defended Azmi on X, stating, “If the basis for suspension is dictated by ideology, what separates freedom of expression from dependency? Our legislators and parliamentarians possess unmatched fearless wisdom. If certain individuals believe that suspensions can silence the truth, it reflects their immature negative thinking.”
He further accused the BJP of stifling free speech.
When questioned about Akhilesh’s comments, Uddhav Thackeray dismissed them, stating that the entire state is outraged by Azmi's statements.
“Let him voice his objections. If he is concerned, he can take Azmi to Uttar Pradesh and have him run for election there. He is unaware of the reality,” Thackeray replied curtly.
Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath sharply criticized the Samajwadi Party for its glorification of Aurangzeb.
Abu Azmi, the SP’s Maharashtra president, had asserted that under Aurangzeb’s rule, India’s territory extended to Afghanistan and Burma (Myanmar), and that the nation’s GDP constituted 24% of the global total. He further claimed that Aurangzeb was not a cruel ruler.
Following the backlash over the past few days, the Maharashtra Assembly passed a motion on Wednesday suspending him until March 26.
