MUMBAI: Shiv Sena on Tuesday has announced a statewide protest against statements deemed disrespectful to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The party has strongly condemned the remarks made by Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi and is demanding strict action against him.
Shiv Sena has called for a sedition case to be filed against Azmi and has urged his suspension from the Maharashtra Assembly for allegedly glorifying Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.
The party has accused Azmi of insulting the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and hurting the sentiments of the people of Maharashtra.
Party leaders have vowed to intensify their agitation if immediate action is not taken. They have urged the government to take a firm stand against any attempts to distort history and disrespect the state’s revered historical figures.
The controversy erupted after Azmi’s alleged remarks surfaced, sparking outrage among Shiv Sena leaders and supporters. The party has warned of escalating protests across Maharashtra until their demands are met.
Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi issued an apology on Tuesday regarding his recent comments in praise of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. While offering his apology, he defended his position by stating that his remarks were based on historical accounts and writings about the Mughal ruler. He emphasised that his comments were not intended to disrespect Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj or Sambhaji Maharaj, and claimed that his “words were twisted”.

“My words have been twisted. I have said what historians and writers have said about Aurangzeb Rahmatullah Alaih. I have not made any derogatory comment about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj or any other great men – but still if anyone has been hurt by my statement, then I take back my words, my statement,” Abu Azmi said in a video posted on X.
“This matter is being turned into a political issue, and because of this, I believe that shutting down the budget session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly is causing harm to the people of Maharashtra,” he added.
Case registered against SP MLA Abu Asim Azmi over remarks on Aurangzeb
The Wagle Estate Police have registered a case against Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi over his controversial remarks praising Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, which allegedly hurt Hindu sentiments.
The complaint was filed by MP Naresh Ganpat Mhaske and Shiv Sena leaders at the Wagle Estate Police Station in Thane. According to the complaint, Azmi glorified Aurangzeb’s rule while downplaying his historical acts of oppression.
Shiv Sena leaders have condemned Azmi’s statements, calling them an attempt to distort history and insult Hindu sentiments. The case has sparked political tensions, with demands for strict action against the SP leader.