Despite apologizing for his remarks on Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abu Azmi finds himself at the center of a raging controversy that refuses to die down.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, reacting strongly to Azmi’s comments, asserted that "the people of Maharashtra will not forgive him." Addressing the media on Tuesday, Shinde further stated, "His statement will cost him… He will be suspended. We have put forth our demand to suspend him from the House."
This comes just hours after Azmi issued a public apology, claiming that his remarks were misinterpreted. In a video statement, the SP MLA clarified, "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."
Azmi, however, alleged that the issue was being politically exaggerated to disrupt the ongoing budget session. The controversy erupted when he claimed that history had misrepresented Aurangzeb, stating, "All the wrong history is being shown. Aurangzeb built many temples… Aurangzeb is not a cruel leader."
