Samajwadi Party legislator Abu Azmi fueled a huge controversy on the inaugural day of the Maharashtra legislature's budget session as he stated that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb was a great administrator and that India was referred to as 'Sone ki Chidiya' (Golden Bird) during his time.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took a strong stance against Azmi’s remarks, demanding that a case of sedition be registered against him. Shinde condemned Azmi’s statement, calling it a “great sin” to praise Aurangzeb and labeling the SP leader a traitor. He further stated, “Speaking against those who show patriotism is treason.”
The Shiv Sena activists responded by filing a police complaint at the Marine Drive police station in south Mumbai, and the party's Thane MP filed a different complaint at Wagle Estate police station.
Justifying his remarks, Azmi informed the media, "History is being distorted. Aurangzeb constructed numerous temples. I do not regard him as a cruel administrator. The fight between Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Aurangzeb was not about religion but state administration." He also asserted, "During Aurangzeb's time, India's borders reached Afghanistan, and our GDP was 24%. India was then referred to as 'Sone Ki Chidiya.' So, is it wrong for me to say this?"
Shinde strongly rejected Azmi’s claims, emphasizing the historical brutality of Aurangzeb. He said, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj are revered figures. Aurangzeb subjected Sambhaji Maharaj to 40 days of brutal torture before killing him.”
Talking about the upcoming movie Chhaava, in which Vicky Kaushal plays Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Shinde stated, "The film will make people goosebump. It highlights the courage of Sambhaji Maharaj and the cruelty of Aurangzeb. Sambhaji Maharaj fought for religious and national pride until his death. Glorifying Aurangzeb is highly unfortunate."
Shinde reiterated his demand for action against Azmi, stating, “A case of sedition should be filed against him. Sambhaji Maharaj sacrificed his life for this nation, and calling Aurangzeb a good administrator is an unforgivable insult. Azmi must apologize.”
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief spokesperson Anand Paranjape also denounced Azmi’s remarks, asserting that “Aurangzeb divided Hindus and Muslims, destroyed countless temples, and executed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in a cruel manner.”
Shiv Sena spokesman Anand Dubey similarly condemned Azmi for glorifying Aurangzeb.
Azmi’s statement has drawn widespread backlash from both ruling and opposition parties, especially amid the growing anticipation for Chhaava, which has received a strong response for its portrayal of the atrocities committed by Aurangzeb against Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
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