Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi sparked controversy on March 3 by asserting that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb was not a cruel ruler. He stated, “The history being taught is incorrect. Aurangzeb built many temples, and I do not view him as a cruel ruler. Additionally, the conflict between Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Aurangzeb was about state administration, not a religious battle between Hindus and Muslims,” said Azmi, the legislator from Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar assembly seat.
Mumbai, Maharashtra | A case has been registered against SP MLA Abu Azmi at Wagle Estate Police Station by Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske under BNS sections 299, 302, 356(1), and 356(2).
Naresh Mhaske alleged that Abu Azmi's remarks praising Mughal ruler Aurangzeb have hurt… https://t.co/hCFlvJP3l5
— ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2025
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske criticised Azmi’s remarks and called for sedition charges against him, while Shiv Sena workers gathered at the Wagle Estate police station in Thane, demanding immediate action.
Naresh Mhaske told the media, “Azmi is inciting communal tension, which amounts to treason. A sedition case should be filed against him, and he must be disqualified as an MLA.” As tensions escalated, police reassured the protesting Shiv Sena workers that they would investigate the issue and file a case within the legal framework. At the time of writing, a police officer confirmed that the FIR registration process was underway.
Azmi made the statements while referring to the “inaccurate” depiction of history in the Bollywood movie ‘Chhava’. He claimed that Aurangzeb should not be viewed simply as a cruel ruler, but rather as a great administrator. He argued that Aurangzeb should not be seen merely as a cruel ruler, but as a great administrator. “During Aurangzeb’s reign, India’s borders extended up to Afghanistan. At that time, our GDP accounted for 24 per cent of the global total, and India was known as a golden bird. Also, I do not believe the conflict between Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Aurangzeb was religious in nature,” he said.
Shinde condemned Azmi’s statements as “wrong and unacceptable,” adding, “Glorifying Aurangzeb is highly unfortunate. Azmi should be charged with sedition.” He further stated that Aurangzeb was responsible for the 40-day torture of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s son, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, and honouring him was a severe insult to Maharashtra’s legacy. “Praising Aurangzeb is the greatest sin. Azmi should apologise immediately. Our Chief Minister has taken this matter very seriously,” Shinde said. He highlighted the gruesome torture inflicted on Sambhaji Maharaj by Aurangzeb, including the removal of his eyes, fingers, and tongue, as well as being skinned alive.
“It is a grave offense to praise such a figure. Azmi must apologise. The Chief Minister has taken serious note of this matter. By glorifying Aurangzeb, Azmi has disrespected patriots like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his son Sambhaji Maharaj, who are symbols of our national pride. He should be charged with treason,” Shinde said.
The police have registered a case against Abu Azmi under sections 299, 302, and 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) (Indian Penal Code). These sections pertain to serious offences, raising the possibility of stringent legal action against the Samajwadi Party leader.
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