Mumbai: Maharashtra Samajwadi Party (SP) President Abu Azmi has found himself at the centre of a legal and political storm after making controversial remarks praising Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. His comments have sparked outrage, particularly from the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), which has filed multiple police complaints against him. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde has gone a step further, demanding that sedition charges be filed against the SP leader.
Shiv Sena Lodges Complaints
The Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) formally registered a complaint against Abu Azmi at Mumbai’s Marine Drive police station. Former MLA and Shiv Sena spokesperson Kiran Pawaskar, accompanied by party workers, urged the authorities to take strict action against Azmi. The party is pushing for sedition charges, citing his remarks as inflammatory and against national interests.
Mumbai, Maharashtra | A case has been registered against SP MLA Abu Azmi at Wagle Estate Police Station by Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske under BNS sections 299, 302, 356(1), and 356(2).
— ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2025
Naresh Mhaske alleged that Abu Azmi's remarks praising Mughal ruler Aurangzeb have hurt… https://t.co/hCFlvJP3l5
Adding to the legal pressure, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske also lodged a separate complaint, leading to the Thane police registering a case against Azmi at Wagle Estate Police Station. The controversy is expected to escalate further as political leaders from the ruling alliance continue to demand stringent action.
Charges Filed Against Azmi
The police have booked Abu Azmi under sections 299, 302 and 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), formerly known as the Indian Penal Code (IPC). These sections deal with serious offenses, increasing the likelihood of severe legal consequences for the SP leader.
Azmi’s Controversial Statements
The controversy erupted after Azmi, in a public speech on Monday, argued that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb had been wrongly portrayed in history. He claimed that Aurangzeb was not a cruel ruler and had even contributed to the construction of several temples.
Azmi recounted an incident where a commander under Aurangzeb allegedly misbehaved with a priest’s daughter in Varanasi. According to Azmi, Aurangzeb ordered the commander’s execution by having him tied between two elephants. As a gesture of gratitude, the priests later built a mosque in his honor. He also described Aurangzeb as an efficient administrator and suggested that any ruler in his position would have made similar decisions.
Furthermore, Azmi stated that India’s GDP was 24 per cent during Aurangzeb’s reign, referring to the country as the 'Golden Bird.' He claimed that historical facts had been distorted to paint Aurangzeb as a villain.
Political and Public Backlash
Azmi’s remarks have drawn widespread criticism, particularly from the ruling Shiv Sena-BJP alliance. Many political leaders have condemned his statements as anti-national, demanding strict legal action.
#WATCH | Mumbai: On Samajwadi Party leader and Maharashtra MLA Abu Azmi's reported remarks about Aurangzeb, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde says, "His statement is wrong and should be condemned. Aurangzeb tortured Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj for 40 days; calling such a… pic.twitter.com/e5tXNg7T5J
— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2025
Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde slammed Azmi for his remarks and suggested that he should be charged with treason. While speaking to the media yesterday, Shinde said, "His statement is wrong and should be condemned. Aurangzeb tortured Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj for 40 days; calling such a person good is the biggest sin, and hence, Abu Azmi should apologize. Our CM has taken this matter seriously. He should be charged with treason."