Abu Azmi, Maharashtra Sanajwadi Party who stirred controversy for glorifying Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, has now issued a public apology, saying that his comments were misunderstood.
Azmi’s controversial remarks about Aurangzeb, where he referred him to the emperor as a “just king” who contributed to Hindu society, ignited heated reactions. He had claimed that Aurangzeb’s reign helped India prosper and attract the British, a statement that many interpreted as glorification of a ruler.
In an attempt to clear the air, Azmi while speaking to reporters, said, “When I came out of the Assembly on the first day, Assam CM compared Rahul Gandhi with Aurangzeb. What can I say? How would I know how Aurangzeb was? Historians like Satish Chandra and Awadh Ojha praised him, and no one charged them. I just repeated what they wrote.”
He continued, “I would never imagine insulting a figure like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Why is my statement being scrutinized so much? I would never speak ill about these legendary kings. If anyone is hurt by my statement, then I take my statement back. Sometimes, under pressure from the press, a few sentences come out unintentionally.”
Later, Azmi took to social media to further clarify his stance. On his X (formerly Twitter) handle, he posted a video, stating, “My words have been twisted. I said what historians and writers, including Rahmatullah Ali, have said about Aurangzeb. I have not made any derogatory comments about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, or any other great men. But if anyone has been hurt by my statement, I take back my words.”
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