Amid ongoing row over Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi's statement praising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday made sensational claim stating, "The statement he made about Aurangzeb was meant to divert attention."
Raut Alleged that Abu Azmi made controversial statement on BJP's instruction. Criticising Abu Azmi for his statement, Raut stated, " The BJP was in trouble in the Assembly yesterday, and the opposition was attacking Dhananjay Munde. To shift the focus, Abu was instructed by the BJP to make such a statement so that they could create a stir, deliver speeches, and disrupt the entire atmosphere. As a result, the discussion on Dhananjay Munde did not take place. Abu Azmi and Owaisi often engage in such actions".
Meanwhile, Azmi has been suspended from the state assembly till the end of Maharashtra's ongoing budget session.
The suspension came a day after Abu Azmi apologized for his remarks on Tuesday, stating that his words had been misinterpreted. In a video statement, Abu Azmi clarified that he was merely citing historical accounts and had no intention of disrespecting any revered figures.
However, soon after his apology, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that the SP MLA would not be forgiven and "his statement will cost him".
The Mahayuti government in Maharashtra is on the back foot after the resignation of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) minister Dhananjay Munde over the Beed sarpanch murder row. The Opposition is poised to corner the government over the delay in Munde's resignation.
