SP MLA Azmi suspended from Maharashtra assembly for praising Aurangzeb
What's the story
The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has suspended Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and MLA Abu Asim Azmi till the end of the ongoing budget session.
Azmi sparked a political storm when he criticized the portrayal of historical events in the film 'Chhava,' which revolves around Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
He had said India prospered under Aurangzeb's rule, following which opposition members accused him of treason.
The proposal to suspend Azmi was moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandrakant Patil and passed by the assembly.
Accusations fly
Deputy CM labels Azmi a 'traitor' over remarks
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde spearheaded the attack on Azmi, calling him a "traitor" and denouncing his remarks as disrespectful to revered personalities such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj.
Shinde contended that glorifying Aurangzeb, who persecuted Hindus and other religions, was wrong.
Following backlash, he retracted his remarks but maintained that his words were misinterpreted.
Apology issued
Azmi retracts remarks, claims misinterpretation
In a post on X, Azmi had said, "I have said what historians and writers have claimed about Aurangzeb Rahmatullah Ali...I have not made any derogatory comments about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj. But still, if anyone has been hurt by my statement, I take back my words."
Despite his apology, FIRs were filed against Azmi for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.
BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar even suggested Azmi's membership be revoked entirely instead of just being suspended for one session.
Defense
My suspension is an injustice: Azmi
Azmi has since reacted to his suspension from the session, which ends on March 26, calling it an "injustice."
"My suspension is an injustice, not just to me but to the millions of people whom I represent... I would like to ask the government whether two types of laws are followed in the state? One law for Abu Azmi and another law for Prashant Koratkar and Rahul Sholapurkar," he said in a video post on X.