MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Assembly suspended Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Abu Asim Azmi on Wednesday, barring him from the remainder of the ongoing budget session due to his contentious remarks about Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. His statements sparked outrage in the legislature, with the Opposition accusing him of "treason." Members of the ruling Mahayuti alliance demanded his suspension, prompting Azmi to withdraw his remarks. The uproar led to the adjournment of both Houses for the day.  

Following the incident, Azmi took to X to clarify that his comments had been misinterpreted. He insisted that his statements about Aurangzeb were based on historical discussions and denied disrespecting Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, or any national icons. However, he retracted his words if they had offended anyone. Azmi also accused his critics of politicizing the matter, arguing that disrupting the budget session was detrimental to Maharashtra’s people. Additionally, he warned that if any harm came to him or his family, the state government would be held accountable.  

During the Assembly proceedings, Mahayuti members chanted slogans demanding action against Azmi, even accusing him of being a descendant of Aurangzeb, whom they blamed for the torture and killing of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.  

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde led the criticism against Azmi in both the legislative council and assembly on Tuesday. In his address, Shinde condemned Azmi’s past remarks about Shivaji Maharaj, asserting that he was deliberately insulting the Maratha leaders. He described Sambhaji Maharaj’s bravery and Aurangzeb’s cruelty as "chilling" and denounced Azmi's characterization of Aurangzeb as an "able administrator," highlighting the Mughal emperor’s destruction of the Kashi Vishveshwar temple.