Mumbai: Maharashtra’s political landscape has erupted in controversy following Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Abu Azmi’s remarks praising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and downplaying the torture inflicted upon Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. His statement has sparked widespread outrage, with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde accusing him of treason, leading to a First Information Report (FIR) being filed in Thane’s Wagle Estate police station.

Azmi’s Controversial Statement Sparks Backlash

During his speech, Abu Azmi glorified Aurangzeb’s reign, stating that during the Mughal emperor’s rule, India’s borders extended to Afghanistan and Burma (now Myanmar) and that the country contributed 24% to the global GDP. He referred to this period as India’s “golden sparrow” era, while conveniently overlooking the violent and oppressive policies Aurangzeb imposed.

When asked about Aurangzeb’s brutal conflict with Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Azmi dismissed it as a mere political battle, vastly downplaying the torture and execution that Sambhaji Maharaj suffered at the hands of the Mughal emperor.

His remarks have been met with strong opposition from political leaders and the public, especially given the recent release of the Hindi film “Chhaava,” which celebrates Sambhaji Maharaj’s bravery and sacrifice. The timing of Azmi’s comments has only intensified the backlash.

FIR Filed Against Abu Azmi in Thane

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde took a strong stance, labeling Azmi’s comments as anti-national and an insult to India’s historical icons. Following his statement, Lok Sabha MP Naresh Mhaske lodged a complaint in Thane, which resulted in the immediate filing of an FIR against Azmi at the Wagle Estate police station.

The FIR cites multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:

• Section 299 – Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings
• Section 302 – Uttering words with deliberate intent to wound religious sentiments
• Section 356(1) & 356(2) – Defamation

Shinde’s faction of the Shiv Sena also filed separate complaints against Azmi in Mumbai, further intensifying the legal and political action against him. A formal complaint was lodged at the Marine Drive Police Station, and law enforcement is now evaluating the case to determine further action.

Political Leaders Demand Apology & Strong Action

Senior leaders from the ruling alliance have called for strict punishment against Azmi, with some demanding his arrest and public apology.

“It is a big crime to call such a person good. Azmi should apologize. The Chief Minister has taken a serious view of this. He has insulted patriots, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and his warrior son Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. They are our national icons, and this is an insult to the country. He should be booked for treason,” said a senior Shiv Sena leader.

With tensions escalating, the controversy has not only deepened Maharashtra’s political divide but also ignited a renewed debate over historical narratives and their relevance in contemporary politics. The coming days will determine whether Azmi faces harsher legal consequences or if this remains a heated political confrontation.