Samajwadi MP’s Comment On Aurangzeb Sparks Fresh Row, Police Cases Filed
Mumbai: A political storm has erupted in Maharashtra after Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi called Mughal emperor Aurangzeb a “great administrator” during the state’s budget session. His remark, in which he also claimed that India was known as “Sone Ki Chidiya” (Golden Bird) during Aurangzeb’s reign, drew sharp criticism from both the ruling and opposition parties.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde strongly condemned the statement, labeling Mr. Azmi a “traitor” and demanding a sedition case against him. “Praising Aurangzeb – who was responsible for the brutal killing of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s son, Sambhaji – is a grave sin,” Mr. Shinde said. He also insisted that Mr. Azmi issue a public apology.
Following the backlash, two police complaints were lodged against the SP legislator—one by Shiv Sena activists and another by a party MP from Thane.
Despite the outrage, Mr. Azmi remained firm on his stance, arguing that history is being misrepresented. “Aurangzeb built many temples. I do not see him as a cruel ruler. The conflict between Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Aurangzeb was about state administration, not religion,” he stated. He further claimed that during Aurangzeb’s rule, India’s borders stretched to Afghanistan and the country contributed 24% to the global GDP.
The timing of his remarks has added to the controversy, especially with the recent release of Chhaava, a film depicting the brutal torture of Sambhaji Maharaj by Aurangzeb. Mr. Shinde recalled the horrifying details of the Maratha warrior’s suffering—his eyes were gouged out, fingers ripped off, tongue cut, and ultimately, he was skinned alive.
With tensions running high, Mr. Azmi’s statement has ignited fresh political and historical debates, further deepening the ideological divide in the state.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
