Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has strongly criticized the BJP for delaying action against Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi over his controversial remarks on Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Thackeray accused the ruling party of taking two days to suspend Azmi and called the SP leader a part of BJP’s “B-team.”
“We were demanding his suspension from the beginning. It took the BJP two days to act. This is BJP’s ‘B-team’ at play,” Thackeray said, taking a swipe at both the BJP and Azmi.
#WATCH | Mumbai | Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said, "We were demanding it (the suspension of Abu Azmi) from the beginning. It took the BJP 2 days to suspend him. This is BJP's 'B-team'… Action should be taken against anyone who praises Aurangzeb…The same action… pic.twitter.com/yTIMX5oDaj
— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2025
The former Maharashtra minister further demanded strict action against anyone who glorifies Aurangzeb, stating that such remarks are an insult to Maharashtra’s history and culture. “Action should be taken against anyone who praises Aurangzeb. The same action should also be taken against those who insult Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and those who are against Marathi, Maharashtra, and the country,” he added.
Thackeray’s remarks come in the wake of Azmi’s suspension from the Maharashtra Assembly for the duration of the budget session after his comments on Aurangzeb sparked a massive political uproar. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader’s statement signals a growing political battle over historical narratives and regional identity, with leaders across party lines clashing over the issue.