SP leader Abu Azmi says Aurangzeb ‘not cruel’; Eknath Shinde hits back with treason charge

Controversy erupts in Maharashtra over SP MLA Abu Azmi's comments on Aurangzeb, sparking political backlash and calls for action.

Maharashtra’s Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Abu Azmi’s comments about Aurangzeb has stoked a row among the State’s political circles.

Mr. Azmi said that Aurangzeb should not be seen as a “cruel ruler but as an administrator”. He further stated that the battles “between Shivaji and Aurangzeb were more about struggle for power than communal rivalry”. He further claimed that “all the wrong history is being shown” in reference to the recently released film Chhaava, and added that Aurangzeb “built many temples”.

Also read: ‘Aurangzeb is a severely misunderstood figure’

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condemned Mr. Azmi’s remarks on Aurangzeb calling them “wrong and unacceptable”, and added that he deserves to be charged for “treason” on Monday.

“His statement is wrong and should be condemned. Aurangzeb tortured Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj for 40 days; calling such a person good is the biggest sin. Hence, Abu Azmi should apologise. Our CM has taken this matter seriously. He should be charged with treason,” Mr. Shinde said.

Reacting to Mr. Azmi’s statement, Shiv Sena(UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray said, “The government should take action against anyone who speak like this Maharashtra. He is speaking what he is told to speak. We have to see what sort of action the CM is taking against such people.”

Shiv Sena leader and Spokesperson Kiran Pawaskar filed a written complaint against Mr. Azmi statement at the Marine Drive police station. He sought that the police should take action against Mr. Azmi as his statement may incite communal tension and disrespect the heritage that many hold dear.