Mumbai, March 4: A major political controversy erupted in the Maharashtra Assembly on Tuesday, leading to multiple adjournments after ruling Mahayuti members aggressively demanded the suspension of Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi for praising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
The Assembly witnessed chaotic scenes as leaders from the ruling alliance—including Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde—insisted that Azmi be booked for treason, accusing him of glorifying Aurangzeb, who is historically remembered for the brutal execution of Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
Mahayuti Leaders Demand Strong Action
BJP legislator Atul Bhatkalkar sparked controversy by alleging Azmi was a descendant of Aurangzeb, demanding his immediate suspension for the entire budget session along with criminal charges for treason. Supporting the stance, Shiv Sena minister Gulabrao Patil echoed the sentiment, calling for stringent action against Azmi.In a further provocative remark, BJP's Sudhir Mungantiwar went as far as demanding the demolition of Aurangzeb's grave, emphasizing the depth of anger within the ruling coalition.
Assembly Adjourned Amid Chaos
Speaker Rahul Narwekar initially adjourned proceedings for ten minutes as tensions surged. Upon reconvening, Industries Minister Uday Samant reiterated the ruling party's stand, stating emphatically, "We cannot tolerate praise of a person who harassed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and tortured his son, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj."The atmosphere became increasingly tense, leading opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Bhaskar Jadhav to label the unfolding events as "drama" amid his attempt to speak on an unrelated adjournment notice.
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Condemns Azmi
After another adjournment, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde intensified the attack, branding Azmi a "traitor" unworthy of sitting in the legislative assembly. He urged Samajwadi Party MLA Raees Shaikh to watch the recently released Hindi film Chhaava, depicting the sacrifices and bravery of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.Highlighting historical atrocities, Shinde said, "Sambhaji Maharaj endured torture for 40 days, with Aurangzeb forcing him to renounce his religion." He added that glorifying Aurangzeb insults national heroes, further accusing Aurangzeb of demolishing temples and executing his own relatives.
Continuous Disruptions Halt Proceedings
Despite repeated attempts to restore order, Mahayuti members gathered in the well of the Assembly shouting slogans against Azmi, prompting presiding officer Sanjay Kelkar to adjourn proceedings for an additional 15 minutes. Eventually, recognizing the unabated uproar, Speaker Narwekar adjourned the session for the day.The assembly witnessed one of its most tumultuous sessions, underscoring the sensitive historical sentiments prevailing in Maharashtra's politics.
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