Maharashtra Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Abu Asim Azmi on Friday wrote to Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, urging him to withdraw his suspension, claiming that his remarks on Mughal ruler Aurangzeb were misrepresented by the media to malign his image.

Azmi clarified that his comments were taken out of context when he was asked for a reaction to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma comparing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to Aurangzeb.

"The media tried to malign me by misrepresenting my statement. I humbly request that my suspension be withdrawn as I am not at fault in this matter," Azmi stated in his letter to the Speaker.

Azmi Defends His Statement on Aurangzeb
Azmi reiterated that he had simply quoted historian Meena Bhargava’s article, stating that Aurangzeb had helped temples and that his reign was marked by India’s territorial expansion and economic prosperity.

"During Aurangzeb’s time, India's borders extended to Burma and Afghanistan. People had immense wealth, and it was a golden era in terms of economic strength," he asserted.

He further stated that the conflict between Aurangzeb and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was not religious but political, aimed at gaining control over power and land.

'I Have Great Respect for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj & Sambhaji Maharaj'
Dismissing allegations that he disrespected Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Azmi clarified:

"I have not made any objectionable statement about them. I have immense respect for both these great warriors of Indian history."