NEW DELHI, Mar 3: The Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abu Azmi on Monday triggered a massive controversy by calling Mughal emperor Aurangzeb a “good administrator,” with the Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde dubbing the comment “treason” calling for legal action against the politician.
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 said.
“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.
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,” Shinde said.
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.
“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 comment has come at a time when outrage and sentiments against Aurangzeb are high, particularly after the release of the movie Chhawa.
(Manas Dasgupta)
