NEW DELHI: Abu Azmi, a prominent Samajwadi Party (SP) leader, has ignited a political firestorm with his recent comments defending Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
During a media interaction, Azmi described Aurangzeb as a โgood administratorโ and claimed that history has unfairly portrayed him as a tyrant. He argued that Aurangzeb built several temples, was not anti-Hindu, and that 34% of his administration comprised Hindus. Azmi further asserted that Aurangzebโs reign was prosperous for India.
His remarks were perceived as an attempt to challenge the widely accepted historical narrative, which portrays Aurangzeb as a ruler who persecuted Hindus and destroyed temples.
Legal and Political Backlash
The response to Azmiโs statement was swift and severe. Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske filed a complaint against him, resulting in the registration of a zero FIR under Sections 299, 302, 356(1), and 356(2) of the Bharat Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde strongly condemned Azmiโs remarks, labeling them โwrong and unacceptable.โ Shinde demanded that Azmi be charged with treason, citing Aurangzebโs brutal treatment of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj as an affront to Maharashtraโs historical legacy.
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Other political leaders also weighed in. BJP leader and Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya accused the SP leadership of being โobsessed with Aurangzebโ and called for strict action against Azmi.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray urged the government to act against anyone defending Aurangzeb, warning of potential communal tensions. The controversy has led to demands for Azmiโs suspension from the Maharashtra assembly.
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Bollywood Connection: โChhaavaโ and Renewed Historical Debate
Azmiโs remarks coincide with the release of the Bollywood film Chhaava, which explores the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The film, starring Vicky Kaushal as Sambhaji Maharaj and Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb, has reignited public interest in the historical Maratha-Mughal conflict. Akshaye Khannaโs portrayal of Aurangzeb has been praised for its nuanced and sinister depth, adding to the ongoing discourse surrounding the emperorโs legacy.
Abu Azmiโs remarks on Aurangzeb have triggered a significant political and public backlash, leading to legal action and widespread condemnation from various political leaders.
The controversy has also brought renewed attention to the historical narrative surrounding Aurangzeb and the Maratha-Mughal conflict, as depicted in the film โChhaava.โ The debate over Azmiโs comments underscores the enduring sensitivity and complexity of Indiaโs historical and cultural legacy.
