New Delhi: A political storm has erupted in Maharashtra after remarks by Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and MLA Abu Azmi, who defended Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Azmi said that historical narratives had been misrepresented, asserting that Aurangzeb “built many temples” and was “not a cruel leader.”
Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde strongly condemned Azmi’s statements, calling them “wrong and unacceptable.” He said that Aurangzeb was responsible for the brutal 40-day torture of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shinde said that glorifying such a figure was an insult to Maharashtra’s heritage. “Calling Aurangzeb good is the biggest sin. Abu Azmi must apologize immediately. Our chief minister has taken this matter seriously and I believe he should be charged with treason,” Shinde said.
Shiva Sena, BJP condemn Azmi’s remarks
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray accused Abu Azmi of insulting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by praising Aurangzeb. Thackeray said Azmi’s remarks hurt Hindu sentiments and demanded his arrest. BJP leader Ram Kadam condemned Abu Azmi for praising Aurangzeb, citing his atrocities against Hindus. He urged Azmi to read history and watch ‘Chhava’ to understand Aurangzeb’s cruelty. Kadam also recalled that Azmi had supported Aurangzeb in 2023, leading to death threats and a police case in Mumbai.
Chhaava film
The controversy comes in wake of the Bollywood film Chhaava. It is a historical drama about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who founded the Maratha Empire. The film tells the story of Sambhaji’s life, his coronation and his brave fight against the Mughal Empire, especially Aurangzeb. Vicky Kaushal plays Sambhaji, Rashmika Mandanna plays his wife Yesubai Bhonsale and Akshaye Khanna plays Aurangzeb. The movie is directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films. It has crossed Rs 500 crore worldwide as of Day 16 of its release .
