Abu Azmi’s remarks about Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb have sparked a major political storm in Maharashtra, with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and several other leaders demanding an apology and even legal action against the Samajwadi Party (SP) leader. Azmi, while speaking to the media in Mumbai, asserted that Aurangzeb has been unfairly portrayed as a cruel ruler and that much of what is being said about him today is the result of historical distortions, especially in cinema. He argued that Aurangzeb had, in fact, built temples for Hindus and once punished a soldier who wanted to forcibly marry a Hindu priest’s daughter. His statements challenged widely accepted historical narratives that portray Aurangzeb as a tyrannical ruler who oppressed non-Muslims and ordered the destruction of Hindu temples.
Azmi’s remarks triggered an immediate and furious response from Maharashtra’s ruling coalition, particularly the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde slammed Azmi, calling his statements a grave insult to Maharashtra’s history and a "massive sin" against the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Shinde reminded the public that Aurangzeb was responsible for the brutal execution of Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. According to historical records, Sambhaji Maharaj was captured by Mughal forces and subjected to horrifying torture for 40 days. His nails were plucked out, his eyes gouged, his tongue cut off, and his body was mutilated before he was finally executed. Shinde, visibly enraged, stated that glorifying such a ruler was unacceptable and demanded that Azmi apologize immediately.
Shinde further revealed that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had taken Azmi’s comments seriously, and legal action was being considered. He went as far as to say that Azmi should be tried for treason, as his statements could be seen as an insult to the state’s history and the sacrifice of its warriors. The outrage wasn’t limited to the BJP and Shiv Sena leaders—several political figures, historians, and social activists also condemned Azmi’s remarks, calling them a deliberate attempt to provoke controversy and rewrite history.
Azmi’s comments came just weeks after the release of Chhava, a historical film that has reignited discussions about the Mughal-Maratha conflict. Directed by Laxman Utekar, the film stars Vicky Kaushal in the role of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb. Chhava has been praised for bringing the story of Sambhaji Maharaj’s bravery to the forefront, and its release has intensified debates over how historical figures are portrayed in popular culture. Many believe that Azmi’s comments were ill-timed, as sentiments about Aurangzeb’s rule are running high due to the film’s impact.
The controversy has also reignited the larger political battle over history and identity in Maharashtra. The Shiv Sena, known for its strong stance on Maratha pride, has always taken a hardline position against any glorification of Aurangzeb. In the past, there have been incidents where portraits of Aurangzeb found in certain places have been vandalized by right-wing groups, and streets named after him have faced demands for renaming. Azmi’s comments have now provided fresh ammunition to the ruling alliance, which is using the controversy to target the opposition and frame the narrative around Maratha pride.
As the political debate rages on, the larger question remains—how should history be remembered and interpreted? While Azmi insists that Aurangzeb’s legacy is being unfairly tarnished, his critics argue that there is overwhelming historical evidence proving his policies of religious persecution, destruction of temples, and oppression of non-Muslims. The episode has once again underscored how history remains a deeply contested and politically charged subject in India, particularly in states like Maharashtra, where the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj and his successors is held in the highest regard.
The coming days are likely to see more political drama unfold as the BJP-Shiv Sena government continues to pressure Azmi for an apology while the SP leader stands by his remarks. Whether this controversy will escalate further or eventually die down remains to be seen, but for now, Maharashtra’s political scene is ablaze with renewed debates over history, identity, and the legacy of its warrior kings.
