SP's Abu Azmi defends Aurangzeb, Eknath Shinde calls remark ‘treason’

Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde reminded Abu Azmi that it was Aurangzeb who tortured Chhatrapati Shambhaji Maharaj.

Updated on: Mar 3, 2025, 22:41:22 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abu Azmi on Monday triggered a massive controversy with him calling Mughal emperor Aurangzeb a "good administrator". Maharashtra's deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde dubbed the comment "treason" and called for legal action against the politician.

Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi said "India developed under Aurangzeb's rule." (ANI)

Abu Azmi, known for his controversial statements on sensitive issues, praised Aurangzeb claiming that he was not a ruthless leader.

“The kings back then used to struggle for power and property but it was nothing religious. He (Aurangzeb) ruled for 52 years, and if he was converting Hindus into Muslims, imagine the number of Hindus that would have converted,” Azmi told ANI.

Also Read | Sanjay Raut's 'Mohan Bhagwat' retort to Eknath Shinde's Maha Kumbh criticism for Uddhav Thackeray

"If Aurangzeb Rahmatullah had destroyed temples, he also destroyed mosques. Had he been against Hindus, 34% of Hindus would not have been with him, and his advisors would not have been Hindus. There is no need to give Hindu-Muslim angles to it. This country will run by the Constitution, and I haven't said a word against Hindu brothers,” he added.

'Learn history': Maharashtra leaders react to Abu Azmi's 'Aurangzeb' remark

Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde came down heavily on Abu Azmi for his remark and reminded him that it was Aurangzeb who tortured Chhatrapati Shambhaji Maharaj.

"His statement is wrong and should be condemned. Aurangzeb tortured Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj for 40 days; calling such a person good is the biggest sin, and hence, Abu Azmi should apologize. Our CM has taken this matter seriously. He should be charged with treason," said Shinde.

Also Read | ‘We will not break’: Flanked by Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Eknath Shinde rejects rift rumours

Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also slammed Abu Azmi for his remarks on Aurangzeb and said the SP leader needs to go and learn history.

"He needs to go back to school and reread history. Aurangzeb only destroyed and demolished temples and never built any," she said while talking to a news channel.

BJP leader Ram Kadam has also reacted to Abu Azmi's statement and suggested he go to the theatre and watch the movie Chhawa.

Also Read | 'Daughter followed, pushed': Union minister lodges harassment complaint in Maharashtra

"You must read history. The one they are calling a great king killed his Sambhaji Raja so brutally. He put Sambhaji Raja in jail. Abu Azmi should be ashamed, said Ram Kadam. The Congress leader who spoke against Rohit Sharma should not do politics in sports. How did these Congress leaders forget what Rohit did for the country? He asked the Congress," Kadam said.

The comment has come at a time when outrage and sentiments against Aurangzeb are high, particularly after the release of the movie Chhava.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.