Mumbai: Maharashtra’s political landscape is ablaze following a controversial statement by Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi, who lauded Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and downplayed the “torture” inflicted upon Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. This has sparked outrage, leading to a treason accusation from Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the subsequent filing of an FIR against Azmi at Thane’s Vagle Estate police station.
Azmi, during his remarks, highlighted Aurangzeb’s reign, claiming that India’s borders extended to Afghanistan and Burma (Myanmar) and that India’s GDP represented 24 per cent of the world GDP during that time. He referred to this era as a “golden sparrow” period for India, deliberately overlooking the violent and oppressive policies that characterized Aurangzeb’s rule. When questioned about the conflict between Aurangzeb and Sambhaji Maharaj, Azmi dismissed it as a mere “political battle,” a stark understatement given the horrific nature of Sambhaji Maharaj’s martyrdom.
Following Shinde’s statement, swift action ensued. Lok Sabha MP Naresh Mhaske filed a complaint against Azmi in Thane, Shinde’s political stronghold, leading to the immediate filing of a First Information Report (FIR). The FIR, registered at the Wagle Estate police station, cites various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including those concerning deliberate malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings and defamation.
Simultaneously, members of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena lodged separate complaints against Azmi in Mumbai, further escalating the situation. While a complaint was filed at the Marine Drive Police Station in Mumbai, police are currently gathering information and determining subsequent actions.
The controversy also touches upon the recent release of the Hindi film “Chhaava,” which highlighted the bravery and sacrifice of Sambhaji Maharaj, making Azmi’s remarks even more insensitive in the context of the renewed public attention to the historical figure.
“It is a big crime to call such a person good. So Azmi should apologize. The CM has taken a serious view of it. He (Azmi) has insulted patriots. This is an insult to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his warrior-son Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj…they are our national icons and this is their insult. He (SP legislator) should be booked for treason,” the Shiv Sena leader demanded.
The FIR was lodged under BNS sections 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting religion or religious beliefs). 302 (Uttering words with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings) and 356(1) & 356(2) (defamation).
