Maharashtra Samajwadi Party (SP) President Abu Azmi is facing severe backlash after making controversial statements praising Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. His remarks have led to multiple police complaints filed by the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), which is now demanding sedition charges against him.
Shiv Sena leaders, including MP Naresh Mhaske and former MLA Kiran Pawaskar, have registered cases at Marine Drive Police Station in Mumbai and Wagle Estate Police Station in Thane. Azmi has been booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 299, 302, 356(1), and 356(2), increasing the chances of severe legal consequences.
The controversy erupted after Azmi claimed that Aurangzeb was wrongly portrayed in history, alleging that he built temples and was an efficient administrator. He further stated that India’s GDP was 24% under Aurangzeb, calling the country a ‘Golden Bird’ during his reign.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde strongly condemned Azmi’s remarks, stating that glorifying Aurangzeb is an insult to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, who was tortured for 40 days before being executed.