No civilised Muslim names their son Aurangzeb: UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

Refuting the notion that Aurangzeb was tolerant, the Chief Minister recounted the destruction of temples under his rule.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday doubled down on his criticism of those who admire Aurangzeb, taking a sharp jab at Maharashtra Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi, who recently defended the 17th-century Mughal emperor. Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2025, Yogi Adityanath stated that no "civilised Muslim" would name their son after Aurangzeb, describing the historical ruler as a tyrant.

His remarks came in response to a major political controversy sparked last week when Abu Azmi claimed that Aurangzeb was not cruel and had, in fact, built temples for Hindus during his reign. Following his statement, Azmi was suspended from the Maharashtra Assembly for the remainder of the session.

Addressing the issue in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, Yogi Adityanath called for Azmi’s expulsion from his party and reiterated his government's strict stance on those who admire Aurangzeb.

"Anyone who sees Aurangzeb as a hero is mentally challenged. No wise person can consider him an idol. He was a ruler who imprisoned his own father, Shah Jahan, and denied him water. Even Shah Jahan, in his autobiography, lamented having such a son who made his final years miserable," Yogi Adityanath said during his exclusive session at the India Today Conclave 2025.

Highlighting the contrast between Hindus and those who glorify Aurangzeb, he stated, "Hindus not only care for their parents in life but also perform ancestral rituals for their salvation after death. Those who admire Aurangzeb should learn from this."

Refuting the notion that Aurangzeb was tolerant, the Chief Minister recounted the destruction of temples under his rule.

"He demolished Baba Vishwanath's dham in Varanasi, known today as Gyanvapi. He also destroyed Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura and countless other temples. He imposed the Jaziya tax on Hindus and was responsible for the slaughter of lakhs of Hindus," Yogi Adityanath asserted.

Issuing a strong warning to those who idolise the Mughal emperor, he added, "Anyone who glorifies such a figure is deeply misguided. That is why I say Uttar Pradesh has the best treatment for such people. Come to UP, and we will show you how to handle them."