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Samajwadi leader Abu Azmi says Aurangzeb 'not a cruel leader'; Eknath Shinde hits back with treason charge

Samajwadi leader Abu Azmi says Aurangzeb 'not a cruel leader'; Eknath Shinde hits back with treason charge

TOI News Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Mar 3, 2025, 16:25 IST

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A controversy has erupted in Maharashtra after SP leader Abu Azmi defended Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, stating he was not cruel and built many temples. Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde condemned the statement, calling it an insult to Maharashtra's legacy and demanding an apology. He also said Azmi should be charged with treason.

Samajwadi leader Abu Azmi says Aurangzeb 'not a cruel leader'; Eknath Shinde hits back with treason charge

NEW DELHI: A political controversy erupted in Maharashtra after Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and MLA Abu Azmi defended Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, claiming that "all the wrong history is being shown" and that Aurangzeb "built many temples" and was "not a cruel leader."

Reacting strongly, Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde condemned Azmi’s statement, calling it "wrong and unacceptable."
Shinde said Aurangzeb was responsible for the brutal 40-day torture of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and honoring such a historical figure was a grave insult to Maharashtra's legacy.
"Calling Aurangzeb good is the biggest sin. Abu Azmi should apologise immediately. Our chief minister has taken this matter seriously, and I believe he should be charged with treason," Shinde said.

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