Mumbai: Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Abu Azmi was suspended from the Maharashtra Assembly on Wednesday over his recent controversial remarks praising Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. The Maharashtra SP President's suspension comes amid the ongoing state Budget Session, and he will remain suspended from the House till the end of the Session, as per reports.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday assured that Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi would be suspended from the Assembly over his controversial remarks praising Aurangzeb and stated that "the people of Maharashtra will not forgive him."
Addressing the media, Shinde stated that Azmi’s statement would have consequences. "His statement will cost him... He will be suspended. We have put forth our demand to suspend him from the House," he said.
Shinde’s remarks came just hours after Azmi issued an apology, claiming that his words had been misinterpreted. The SP leader had praised Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, sparking a political controversy and backlash from various quarters. In response, Azmi released a video clarifying that he was merely citing historical accounts and had no intention of disrespecting any revered figures.
Abu Azmi Issues Clarification On Aurangzeb Remark
"My words have been twisted. I only stated what historians and writers have claimed about Aurangzeb Rahmatullah Ali," Azmi said. In the same video message posted on his X platform, he reiterated that he had not made any derogatory remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, or any other respected figures in Maharashtra. However, he acknowledged the outrage and expressed regret, saying, "If my statement has hurt anyone, I take back my words and apologize."
Azmi also criticised how the controversy had been politicised, suggesting that it was being used to divert attention from more pressing governance issues. He voiced concern over the disruption of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly’s budget session due to the uproar, arguing that such controversies harm public interests. "The issue is being made political, and shutting down the budget session over this is harmful to the people of Maharashtra," he stated.
