Mumbai, March 3: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday demanded treason charges against Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi for his remarks praising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Azmi’s statements, which referenced the Mughal rule's economic influence and territorial expansion, sparked widespread backlash, leading to an FIR being registered against him in Thane.
The controversy erupted after Azmi, the Samajwadi Party's Maharashtra president and MLA from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, claimed that under Aurangzeb’s reign, India's borders extended to Afghanistan and Burma (now Myanmar), and the country's GDP accounted for 24% of the global economy. Dismissing the historical conflict between Aurangzeb and Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj as a "political battle," Azmi’s remarks drew sharp criticism.
Shinde condemned Azmi’s statements, citing the brutal execution of Sambhaji Maharaj by Aurangzeb, where the Maratha ruler was subjected to 40 days of torture, including his eyes being gouged out, fingers ripped off, and skin flayed. “It is a big crime to call such a person good. Azmi should apologize. This is an insult to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his son Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, who are our national icons. He should be booked for treason,” Shinde asserted.
Legal Action Against Abu Azmi
Shortly after Shinde's remarks, an FIR was filed against Azmi in Thane on the complaint of Lok Sabha MP Naresh Mhaske. The case was registered under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:- Section 299: Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings
- Section 302: Uttering words with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings
- Sections 356(1) & 356(2): Defamation
Political Fallout and Protests
Members of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena also lodged complaints against Azmi in both Mumbai and Thane. Shiv Sena supporters, led by party functionary Kiran Pawaskar, submitted a written complaint at Marine Drive Police Station, demanding strict action against the Samajwadi Party legislator.Police officials stated that they are reviewing Azmi's remarks in detail and will determine the next course of action per legal procedures.
Cultural Sensitivity and Public Reaction
The controversy comes at a time when the legacy of historical figures remains a sensitive issue in Maharashtra. The recent release of the Hindi film Chhaava, which portrays the bravery of Sambhaji Maharaj, has further intensified public sentiment on the subject.With legal proceedings initiated and political tensions escalating, the case against Azmi is likely to remain in focus as authorities proceed with the investigation.
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