The controversy regarding Maharashtra Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi’s comments praising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb intensified on Wednesday, as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also expressed his opinion. Adityanath urged the Samajwadi Party to remove the Maharashtra MLA and return him to his state, stating that “Uttar Pradesh is well aware of how to handle such individuals.”
“A person who is ashamed of the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj yet views Aurangzeb as his hero, does he truly deserve to live in India?” Adityanath questioned, further asking, “Why hasn’t the Samajwadi Party distanced itself from him?”.
Azmi recently stated that India thrived during the reign of 17th-century ruler Aurangzeb, calling him an excellent administrator who constructed temples as well.
Even after he withdrew his comments, it sparked significant backlash from the BJP and other parties, who charged him with trying to gloss over Aurangzeb’s history of brutality and intolerance. They contended that Aurangzeb was accountable for atrocities against Hindus and attempts to enforce religious conversions.
In response to the comments, Adityanath, during his address in the UP Assembly, called on Akhilesh Yadav’s party to take a stand on the issue.
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“On one side, you denounce the Kumbh, while on the other, you venerate Aurangzeb — a merciless, extremist leader who devastated temples and suppressed India’s beliefs. What is preventing you from acting against this leader?” the UP Chief Minister asked.
He urged the Samajwadi Party to invite Azmi to a public event and have him explain his comments, or send him to Uttar Pradesh.
Azmi, representing the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar Constituency in Mumbai, has been suspended from the Maharashtra Assembly until the conclusion of the current Budget Session.
Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde spearheaded the assault on the SP leader in the Assembly, labeling him a “traitor” and stating that he had no authority to be in the House.
