Eknath Shinde demands sedition case against Abu Azmi for praising Aurangzeb
Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has demanded that a sedition case be filed against Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi for his remarks praising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Shinde called Azmi a "traitor" and stated that glorifying Aurangzeb was a "great sin."
The controversy erupted on the first day of the Maharashtra Assembly's budget session when Azmi described Aurangzeb as a "great administrator" and claimed that India was known as 'Sone Ki Chidiya' during his reign. He further asserted that the conflict between Aurangzeb and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was about state administration rather than religion.
Reacting sharply, Shinde said, "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj are our gods. Aurangzeb brutally killed Sambhaji Maharaj after 40 days of torture. Praising Aurangzeb is a great sin, and Abu Azmi should apologise." He added that speaking against those who uphold patriotism amounts to "treason."
Following Shinde's remarks, Shiv Sena activists lodged a police complaint against Azmi at Mumbai's Marine Drive police station, while the party’s Thane MP filed another complaint at Wagle Estate police station.
Azmi, defending his statement, said, "Wrong history is being presented. Aurangzeb built many temples. I do not see him as a cruel ruler. During his time, India's borders extended to Afghanistan, and our GDP was 24 per cent. The battle between Aurangzeb and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was not about religion."
NCP chief spokesperson Anand Paranjape dismissed Azmi’s claims, stating that Aurangzeb "divided Hindus and Muslims" and was responsible for the "brutal execution" of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey also criticised Azmi for his remarks.
The statement has drawn widespread criticism from both ruling and opposition parties, particularly amid the positive public reception to the film Chhaava, which depicts Aurangzeb's atrocities against Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
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CEC orders immediate arrest of those involved in post-poll violence in Bengal: Official
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar directed the authorities concerned to immediately arrest those involved in post-poll violence and vandalism in West Bengal, an official said on Wednesday.
The Election Commission's directive came after two persons were killed in alleged incidents of post-poll violence in the state on Tuesday, besides scores of party offices being ransacked.
The CEC issued instructions to the West Bengal chief secretary, director general of police, Kolkata police commissioner and directors general of central armed police forces, along with all district magistrates, superintendents of police and other officials, to maintain continuous patrolling in sensitive areas, he said.
"Those responsible for inciting violence and carrying out acts of vandalism must be arrested immediately," the official said, quoting the CEC's instruction.
The chief election commissioner also stressed the need for swift and firm enforcement of the law, he added.
This directive came amid concerns over law and order in parts of the state, with the Election Commission closely monitoring the situation, he added.
"We have been asked to remain on high alert and ensure that any attempt to disturb peace is dealt with firmly," a senior police officer said.
The state authorities have intensified vigil across districts, with coordinated efforts between the police and central forces to prevent any untoward incident, he added.
The assembly elections were held in West Bengal in two phases - April 23 and 29. The counting of votes took place on May 4.
The BJP sealed a landslide victory with 207 seats in the 294-member assembly, ending the TMC's uninterrupted 15-year rule in the state.
