The Maharashtra Assembly suspended Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Abu Asim Azmi from the House till the end of the current session of the budget session for his comments on Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. His comments sparked a huge controversy among ruling Mahayuti members who labelled him as ‘treason’ and called for stern action.
On Tuesday, his remarks were affectionate towards Aurangzeb, sparked an uproar in the state legislature. Azmi’s statement drew the ire from the ruling alliance and he had to rescind it. The tensions escalated and both Houses of the Maharashtra legislature were adjourned for the day.
The controversy saw Azmi respond to it by taking to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify his comments were misinterpreted. “Whatever that I had said about Aurangzeb is said by historians and writers,” he said. I never insulted Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, or any national icon. And if I have wronged anyone with my words, I take them back, however.” He claimed that the issue had become politicized, and hence disturbing the budget session over what he had said was not the wisest in the interest of the mamlatdars of Maharashtra.
He even expressed worry about his safety and further added: “If anything is to happen to me or my family, the Maharashtra government should be made to be responsible for what happened.” Meanwhile, Delhi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took advantage of the opportunity to criticise Congress and other opposition parties who were trying to dilute Sanatan Dharma.
Already, Azmi’s suspension has further exacerbated political tensions in Maharashtra as opposition parties labelled the ruling alliance’s actions as efforts to muzzle lawmakers in the legislature.
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