Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Says Abu Azmi Will Be Arrested Soon

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said that Abu Azmi would face arrest due to his contentious remarks about Aurangzeb. Addressing the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Fadnavis targeted the Opposition, asserting that action against Azmi was imminent.

Abu Azmi, the Samajwadi Party's Maharashtra president, praised Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, claiming that during his rule, India's borders extended to Afghanistan and Burma (Myanmar). This statement has sparked controversy and led to significant political backlash.

Political Reactions and Demands

Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and former Maharashtra CM, criticised Azmi's comments. He called for Azmi's permanent suspension from the state Assembly. Thackeray emphasised that a temporary suspension was insufficient and demanded a more severe consequence.

In response to Ambadas Danve's inquiry about Azmi's arrest status, Fadnavis questioned why Thackeray's Shiv Sena did not oppose Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru for allegedly insulting Shivaji Maharaj. Fadnavis challenged them to protest against Nehru's writings in "Discovery of India."

Assembly Suspension and Controversy

The Maharashtra legislative assembly suspended SP MLA Azmi until March 26, coinciding with the end of the ongoing budget session. This decision followed his remarks glorifying Aurangzeb. Despite retracting his statement, Azmi expressed feeling unjustly treated by this action.

Fadnavis reiterated in the House that they would not tolerate any insult towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He described Shivaji as a lion who was willing to sacrifice for the country and religion, highlighting his greatness as a king.