Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has strongly condemned the suspension of party MLA Abu Azmi from the Maharashtra Assembly, calling it an ideologically driven move that threatens freedom of expression. Azmi was suspended till the end of the Budget Session over his controversial remarks praising Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, sparking a political storm.

Taking to X, Yadav hit out at the ruling Mahayuti government, questioning the basis of the suspension. "If the basis of suspension starts getting influenced by ideology, then what difference will remain between freedom of expression and slavery?" he wrote.

Defending Azmi, Yadav declared that SP lawmakers would not be silenced. "Whether it is our MLAs or MPs, their fearless wisdom is unmatched. If some people think that by 'suspension' one can put a rein on the tongue of truth, then this is the childishness of their negative thinking," he added. In a sharp political swipe, he concluded, "Today's free-thinking says, we don't want BJP!"

Azmi’s suspension came just a day after he issued an apology, claiming his words had been misinterpreted and that he never intended to insult any revered figures. However, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde dismissed the apology, asserting that Azmi would not be forgiven and warning that "his statement will cost him."