Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abu Azmi on Monday triggered a massive controversy with him calling Mughal emperor Aurangzeb a "good administrator". Maharashtra's deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde dubbed the comment "treason" and called for legal action against the politician. Now his party workers the Shiv Sena has launched a massive protest in Pune over his remarks on Aurangzeb. Protesters burned Azmi’s effigy, raised slogans, and demanded action against him.
Abu Azmi, known for his controversial statements on sensitive issues, praised Aurangzeb claiming that he was not a ruthless leader. “The kings back then used to struggle for power and property but it was nothing religious. He (Aurangzeb) ruled for 52 years, and if he was converting Hindus into Muslims, imagine the number of Hindus that would have converted,” Azmi told ANI.
"If Aurangzeb Rahmatullah had destroyed temples, he also destroyed mosques. Had he been against Hindus, 34% of Hindus would not have been with him, and his advisors would not have been Hindus. There is no need to give Hindu-Muslim angles to it. This country will run by the Constitution, and I haven't said a word against Hindu brothers,” he added.
Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde came down heavily on Abu Azmi for his remark and reminded him that it was Aurangzeb who tortured Chhatrapati Shambhaji Maharaj. "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," said Shinde. Azmi was s suspended from the state assembly on Wednesday. As the legislative proceedings began, Mahayuti members raised slogans demanding action against Azmi, claiming that he was a descendent of Aurangzeb, who tortured and killed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.