Following the suspension of Abu Asim Azmi from the Maharashtra legislative assembly over his remarks eulogising Aurangzeb, AIMIM Bihar president and MLA Akhtarul Iman expressed support for the Samajwadi Party MLA.
Iman called Aurangzeb a "noble emperor" and highlighted his contribution.
"Aurangzeb was a noble emperor. He earned a livelihood by stitching caps. He didn't use taxpayers' money on himself. He was buried here. He didn't loot and leave like the British but he served this country. He unified India, stretching it from Afghanistan to Burma (Myanmar), and made it 'Akhand Bharat. He treated both temples and mosques equally," he told ANI.
He also slammed the controversy surrounding Azmi’s remarks. "So, why is such a controversy stoked?" he asked. He further condemned the actions taken against Abu Azmi, labeling them as unconstitutional. The action (against Abu Azmi) is unconstitutional," Iman said while requesting the Supreme Court to take suo-motu cognisance of the situation.
Meanwhile, Azmi said the action against him was taken despite him retracting his remark.
Slamming Azmi’s remarks
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asked the Samajwadi Party to take a stand on Azmi’s remarks, demanding that it must expel him for glorifying the Mughal ruler.
Maharashtra minister Chandrakant Patil moved the motion of suspension of Azmi from the House for the remainder of the session’s term.
Members of the treasury benches said Aurangzeb's praise amounted to an insult of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his son Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The motion was passed by a voice vote.
Azmi said that during Aurangzeb's reign, India's border reached Afghanistan and Burma (Myanmar). "Our GDP accounted for 24 per cent (of the world GDP) and India was called a golden sparrow (during his regime)," claimed the MLA from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar constituency in Mumbai. Asked about the fight between Aurangzeb and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Azmi had termed it a political battle.
His comments rocked both houses of the state legislature on Tuesday, with members of the ruling side demanding his suspension and that he be booked for treason. Azmi said his remarks were twisted.
"Whatever I have said about Aurangzeb is something that has been stated by historians and writers. I have not made any derogatory remarks against Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj or any national icons. Still, if anyone is hurt by my remarks, then I take back my statements and comments," he said on Tuesday.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday led the attack on Azmi both in the legislative council and assembly. "Azmi is purposely insulting Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj. Sambhaji Maharaj's bravery and Aurangzeb's cruelty will give goosebumps to people," Shinde had said.
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