Mumbai: After withdrawing his controversial statement on Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Abu Azmi faced fresh allegations from Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, who claimed that Azmi’s remarks were scripted by the BJP to distract the public from key issues.
Wadettiwar, who leads the Congress Legislature Party (CLP), alleged that such statements surface whenever the government finds itself in trouble. "Abu Azmi reads out a script written by the BJP. Whenever the government faces challenges and needs to divert attention from important matters, such remarks are made," he said.
Azmi’s comments had sparked outrage, particularly from the Shiv Sena, which demanded strict action against him. Facing backlash, Azmi later retracted his statement, explaining that his words were based on historical references and had been misinterpreted. This controversy has deepened existing political tensions in Maharashtra, with opposition parties accusing the BJP of engineering distractions to shift focus away from governance issues.
Abu Azmi Issues Clarification On Aurangzeb Remark
Amid the uproar, Azmi released a clarification on Tuesday, insisting that his words had been twisted. He emphasized that he was quoting historical accounts about Aurangzeb and had not intended to insult any historical figures of Maharashtra. "My words have been twisted. I only stated what historians and writers have claimed about Aurangzeb Rahmatullah Ali," he said.
In a video message posted on his X platform, Azmi also reiterated that he had not made any negative remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, or any other revered figures. However, he added that if his statement had hurt anyone’s sentiments, he was willing to take back his words and apologize. "I have not made any derogatory comment about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, or any other great men. But if my statement has hurt anyone, I take back my words," he said.
Azmi further criticised how the issue had been politicized, suggesting that it was being used as a tool to create unnecessary controversy. He also expressed concern over the impact this uproar was having on governance, particularly as it disrupted the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly’s budget session. "The issue is being made political, and I believe shutting down the budget session over this is harmful to the people of Maharashtra," he stated.
