Though after facing backlash from ruling parties in Maharashtra, SP leader Abu Azmi apologised for his remarks on Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, the controversy sparked by him does not seem to die down soon.

Hours after Abu Azmi issued a public apology, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, "The people of Maharashtra will not forgive him."

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Shinde said, "His (Abu Azmi's) statement will cost him... He will be suspended. We have put forth our demand to suspend him (from the House)."

Shinde's response came hours after the SP leader apologised for his controversial remarks praising Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. The Samajwadi Party MLA released a video stating that his words were twisted.

Defending himself, he said that he only mentioned what historians and writers had stated.

"I have not made any disrespectful remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, or any other great personalities. However, if my words have still hurt anyone, I take back my statement," he added.

Azmi alleged that a political issue is being created to hamper the ongoing budget session.

The controversy stemmed from Abu Azmi's statement made yesterday when he said, "All the wrong history is being shown. Aurangzeb built many temples... Aurangzeb is not a cruel leader."

In an interview with a private TV news channel, he said, "What I have read about Aurangzeb is that he never took public money for himself. His regime spread till Burma, and the country was then known as the golden bird."

"I think he was a great administrator. Many commanders in his army were Hindus," he added.

His praise for Aurangzeb was met with sharp reactions from leaders of the ruling parties.

Maharashtra DyCM and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde demanded an apology from the SP leader while at the same time calling for a treason case against Abu Azmi.