Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday demanded a sedition case against Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi for his alleged praise of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Shinde made the demand while speaking in the State Legislative Assembly, strongly condemning Azmi’s comments and criticizing his views on India’s history and culture.
“We condemn the murderer of Dharmaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, and yet Assembly member Abu Azmi sings the praises of Aurangzeb,” Shinde said. He insisted that a sedition case be filed against Azmi in both houses of the Legislative Assembly.
Shinde paid tribute to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, calling him a protector of religion and freedom. “Although people like Abu Azmi live in India physically, they live in the Mughal era in their minds. Aurangzeb was a cruel ruler — the world knows this. We strongly condemn anyone supporting such figures,” he added.
The Deputy CM also urged Azmi to learn the true history of Sambhaji Maharaj. “Shambhu Raja won 69 battles in nine years. He was a great warrior and administrator. Instead of glorifying Aurangzeb, Azmi should learn about the bravery and valor of the Marathas,” he said.
The controversy erupted after Abu Azmi described Aurangzeb as a “good administrator” during a media interaction in Mumbai’s Marine Drive area. Following backlash, Azmi claimed his words had been misinterpreted and offered to withdraw his statement if it had hurt anyone.
“My words were twisted. I quoted historians and writers. I never disrespected Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, or any other great figures. Still, if my statement hurt anyone, I take it back. Unfortunately, this issue is being politicized,” Azmi said.
A zero FIR was registered against Abu Azmi at Naupada Police Station in Thane and later transferred to Marine Drive Police Station in Mumbai for further investigation. The controversy has sparked heated debates in the Maharashtra Assembly, with Shinde’s call for legal action further escalating tensions.