The political landscape is heating up across the country following a statement by Abu Asim Azmi, the President of the Maharashtra Samajwadi Party, regarding Aurangzeb. Uttar Pradesh's Deputy CM, Keshav Prasad Maurya, hit back, commenting, "The spirit of Aurangzeb has infiltrated the Samajwadi Party. Akhilesh Yadav should apologize and take action against Abu Azmi."
He added, "The nation will not tolerate any form of disrespect towards Lord Shiva. The people of Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh will respond. Anti-national forces are flourishing under their protection and strict action should be taken against them. The Mughal invaders may have tried to tatter the cultural fabric of our nation, but Indian culture has shown a guiding light to the world."
Following the uproar over Abu Azmi's statement glorifying Aurangzeb, the Maharashtra Assembly was adjourned for the entire day.
SP leader Abu Asim Azmi stated that Aurangzeb was not a cruel or intolerant ruler and that he built several temples. False history is being perpetuated about him. He added that if Aurangzeb demolished temples, he also demolished mosques, and there is no need to create divisions between Hindus and Muslims.
Outside the Maharashtra Assembly, NDA leaders protested against Abu Azmi. Legislators from the Shiv Sena and the ruling BJP alliance demonstrated on the assembly staircase. They claimed Abu Asim insulted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and demanded the filing of a sedition case against him and a ban on his entry into the legislative building.
An FIR was registered against legislator Abu Asim Azmi concerning his remark on Aurangzeb at Naupada Police Station, which was then transferred to Marine Drive Police Station. Subsequently, an FIR was filed under sections 299, 302, 356(1), 356(2) BNS of the Indian Penal Code, numbered 59/25. The investigation is ongoing.
The statement of Abu Azmi has resonated in Thane as well. The Maratha Kranti Morcha and the entire Maratha community have staged protests against Abu Azmi. People protested outside the Thane district collector's office, attempting to burn an effigy of Abu Azmi during the demonstration.
