SP leader Abu Azmi faces backlash for calling Aurangzeb 'not a cruel ruler'

IANS March 3, 2025 213 views

SP leader Abu Azmi has ignited a political firestorm by defending Mughal emperor Aurangzeb as a non-cruel ruler during a press interaction in Mumbai. His remarks triggered immediate backlash from Maharashtra politicians, including Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, who accused Azmi of being anti-national. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions around historical interpretations of Mughal-era rulers and their complex legacies. Azmi's comments challenge prevailing narratives about Aurangzeb's rule, arguing that power struggles were more political than religious during that era.

"I don't consider Aurangzeb a cruel ruler" - Abu Azmi, SP Leader
Mumbai, March 3: Maharashtra Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abu Azmi has come under fire for his remarks defending Mughal ruler Aurangzeb Alamgir, stating that he was “not a cruel leader”. His comments have sparked controversy, drawing sharp criticism from political leaders across party lines.

Key Points

1

Abu Azmi claims Aurangzeb was misunderstood politically

2

Maharashtra leaders demand apology for historical remarks

3

Controversy erupts over Mughal ruler's legacy

4

Political debate highlights complex historical narratives

Azmi made the statement while speaking to reporters in Mumbai at the commencement of the Maharashtra Assembly session.

During the interaction, he was asked about Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's recent comparison of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with Aurangzeb.

Responding to this, Azmi said, "Aurangzeb got several temples built. In Varanasi, he saved a Hindu girl child from a priest who had an evil eye on her. He had the priest trampled by elephants."

Expanding on his views, Azmi further asserted, "I don't consider Aurangzeb a cruel ruler. During that era, power struggles were about politics, not about Hindus versus Muslims. Aurangzeb's army had many Hindus, and similarly, Chhatrapati Shivaji's army had several Muslims."

He also claimed that during Aurangzeb's reign, "our territorial boundaries extended up to Afghanistan. Today, he is being vilified by invoking Hindu-Muslim divisions."

However, Azmi's comments were met with strong opposition. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condemned his remarks, calling them unacceptable and demanded an apology.

Shinde stated, "He must apologise for this because Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was a patriot and a true nationalist. Aurangzeb was responsible for the brutal 40-day torture and execution of Sambhaji Maharaj. Glorifying Aurangzeb's rule is a serious offense, and for this, Abu Azmi must apologise. By speaking against a patriot, he has positioned himself as anti-national."

Maharashtra NCP leader and former MP Anand Paranjpe refuted Azmi's claims. He told IANS, "Aurangzeb divided Hindus and Muslims, destroyed many temples, and considering the brutal execution of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, he was indeed a cruel ruler."

Aurangzeb was the emperor of the Mughal Empire from 1658 to 1707.

Tags:
Abu Azmi Aurangzeb Samajwadi Party Maharashtra Politics Historical Controversy Hindu-Muslim Relations
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