Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar suspended Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi for the entire budget session on Wednesday. The decision came after Azmi’s remarks on Mughal emperor Aurangzeb sparked controversy.
Assembly Passes Suspension Proposal
A proposal against Azmi’s statement was introduced in the Assembly. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandrakant Patil said Azmi’s comments had disrespected the House. He urged for his suspension, and the Speaker approved it.
Azmi’s Remarks on Aurangzeb
Azmi reportedly claimed Aurangzeb was not a “cruel administrator” and had “built many temples.” He also said the conflict between Aurangzeb and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was about governance, not religion.
Azmi Defends Himself
On Tuesday, Azmi said his words were misinterpreted. He stated he was willing to withdraw his statement and apologize if it had offended anyone.
“My words have been twisted. I only repeated what historians and writers have said about Aurangzeb Rahmatullah Ali,” Azmi said.
“I did not insult Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, or any other great leaders. But if my words hurt anyone, I take them back,” he added in a video on X.
Calls Issue Politicized
Azmi accused political opponents of exploiting the situation.
“This is being turned into a political issue. Disrupting the Maharashtra Assembly’s budget session over this is unfair to the people,” he said.
FIR Filed Against Azmi
A zero FIR was registered against Azmi at Thane’s Naupada Police Station. Authorities later transferred it to Mumbai’s Marine Drive Police Station. Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske filed the complaint.
BJP Attacks INDIA Bloc
The BJP strongly criticized Azmi’s remarks. It questioned INDIA bloc leaders, asking why they were trying to glorify Aurangzeb.