JD(U)’s Khalid Anwar stands by Aurangzeb remarks amid party’s call for caution
Patna: Bihar JD(U) MLC Khalid Anwar has backed historians who describe Mughal emperor Aurangzeb as "a good administrator," amid controversy over the portrayal of the ruler in the Bollywood film Chhaava. His remarks have drawn criticism from the BJP, while his own party has urged him to exercise caution.
Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Anwar stated, “Historians have differing opinions on Aurangzeb. Some see him as a bad ruler, while others consider him a good administrator. I align with the latter view. Discussions on historical figures should remain in the academic domain and not be debated in legislative bodies.”
The remarks have triggered a political reaction, with BJP national spokesperson Guru Prakash Paswan saying, “History has enough evidence about Aurangzeb’s role. Controversial statements should be avoided. Our priority is governance and development.” JD(U) chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar also urged caution, stating, “We do not need to go into history. One should tread carefully on such matters.”
The controversy erupted after Maharashtra Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi was removed from the Assembly for defending Aurangzeb. He had claimed that Chhaava misrepresented history, stating, “Aurangzeb built several temples… I do not think he was a cruel administrator.”
Reacting to Anwar’s remarks, BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur said, “Anwar should go to Pakistan for making such statements.”
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
