Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar suspended Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi for the entire duration of the ongoing budget session on Wednesday over his remarks on Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. A proposal was brought before the Maharashtra Assembly today against Azmi’s statements.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandrakant Patil informed the House that Azmi’s objectionable remarks had undermined the dignity of the Assembly, leading to a proposal for his suspension for the session, which the Speaker approved.

Azmi had reportedly said that Aurangzeb was not a “cruel administrator” and had “built many temples.” He further claimed that the conflict between the Mughal emperor and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was about state administration rather than a Hindu-Muslim issue.

On Tuesday, Azmi clarified that his words had been misinterpreted and expressed willingness to retract his statement and apologize if it had hurt sentiments.

“My words have been twisted. I only mentioned what historians and writers have documented about Aurangzeb Rahmatullah Ali,” Azmi said.

“I have not made any derogatory comments about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, or any other great leaders. However, if my statement has hurt anyone, I take back my words,” he said in a video on X.

The MLA, who is also the Samajwadi Party chief for Maharashtra, accused political opponents of exploiting the issue.

“This matter is being politicized, and I believe disrupting the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly’s budget session over this issue is detrimental to the people of Maharashtra,” Azmi said.

Earlier, a zero FIR was registered against Azmi at the Naupada Police Station in Thane and later transferred to the Marine Drive police station in Mumbai in connection with his remarks on Aurangzeb. The FIR was filed based on a complaint by Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske.

The BJP seized upon Azmi’s comments and questioned INDIA bloc members, asking why they were attempting to glorify Aurangzeb.

(ani)