A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Abu Azmi at Wagle Estate Police Station, Thane, following a complaint by Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske over his remarks praising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The case has been filed under BNS sections 299, 302, 356(1), and 356(2) for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.
Mhaske accused Azmi of glorifying Aurangzeb, stating, “He has no right to stay in India. Aurangzeb destroyed thousands of Hindu temples, tortured women, and brutally persecuted Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. He was against the country and looted our nation.” Mhaske further emphasized that Deputy CM Eknath Shinde had called for a sedition case against Azmi and insisted that strict legal action must follow.
Azmi, who represents the Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar constituency, landed in controversy after commenting on historical portrayals in the Bollywood film Chhava. Defending Aurangzeb, Azmi said, “Wrong history is being shown. Aurangzeb built many temples. I do not consider him a cruel ruler. The battle between Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Aurangzeb was about state administration, not a religious conflict.” His remarks sparked outrage, particularly from Shiv Sena leaders and the ruling coalition, who condemned his statements and demanded immediate action.
As backlash mounted, Shiv Sena workers gathered outside the Wagle Estate Police Station, pressing for swift action against Azmi. Meanwhile, Azmi defended his position, claiming that India flourished under Aurangzeb, its territory extended to Afghanistan, and the nation accounted for 24% of the global GDP. He maintained that the emperor was an able administrator and dismissed the idea that his conflicts were religiously motivated.
With political pressure escalating, the controversy surrounding Azmi’s remarks has taken center stage in Maharashtra’s political discourse. Whether legal action will proceed further remains to be seen, but the uproar against him continues to grow.
