Facing Backlash, SP MLA Abu Azmi Now Apologises For Glorifying Aurangzeb

Mumbai: Maharashtra Samajwadi Party (SP) President, Abu Azmi, who earlier stirred controversy for glorifying Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, has now issued a public apology, stating that his comments were misunderstood. 

Azmi’s controversial remarks about Aurangzeb, in which he referred to the emperor as a “just king” who contributed to Hindu society, ignited heated reactions. He had claimed that Aurangzeb’s reign helped India prosper and attract the British, a statement that many interpreted as glorification of a ruler who remains highly contentious in Indian history.

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Azmi's Apology Statement

In an attempt to clear the air, Azmi while speaking to reporters, said, “When I came out of the Assembly on the first day, Assam CM compared Rahul Gandhi with Aurangzeb. What can I say? How would I know how Aurangzeb was? Historians like Satish Chandra and Awadh Ojha praised him, and no one charged them. I just repeated what they wrote."

He continued, “I would never imagine insulting a figure like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Why is my statement being scrutinized so much? I would never speak ill about these legendary kings. If anyone is hurt by my statement, then I take my statement back. Sometimes, under pressure from the press, a few sentences come out unintentionally."

Azmi insisted that his intent was never to disrespect figures like Shivaji Maharaj or Sambhaji Maharaj, adding, “In my statement, I only praised the historians. Not one was against Sambhaji Maharaj. I take my entire statement back.”

Clarification on Social Media

Later, Azmi took to social media to further clarify his stance. On his X (formerly Twitter) handle, he posted a video, stating, “My words have been twisted. I said what historians and writers, including Rahmatullah Ali, have said about Aurangzeb. I have not made any derogatory comments about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, or any other great men. But if anyone has been hurt by my statement, I take back my words.”

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Azmi also criticized the politicization of the issue, saying, “This issue is being made a political issue. I believe that closing the budget session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly over this is causing harm to the people of Maharashtra.”

Azmi described Aurangzeb as a ruler who supported religious harmony, claiming that under his reign, India thrived and was known as the "golden bird." He even suggested that the emperor helped attract the British to India.