'Not Enough': BJP On Abu Azmi's Suspension From Maharashtra Assembly For Budget Session

BJP said that the suspension was not enough because Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi insulted Chhatrapati Maharaj, which was unacceptable.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA and spokesperson Ram Kadam has reacted to the suspension of Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi, saying that the action wasn’t enough and that insulting Chhatrapati Maharaj was unacceptable.

Azmi was suspended from the Maharashtra legislative assembly for the rest of the ongoing budget session on Wednesday. This comes after he praised Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who killed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Azmi has expressed regret for any hurt caused by his remarks, but said he had only quoted what historians had written about Aurangzeb.

Kadam said BJP leaders did not like that Azmi was suspended for just one session.

A committee has been formed to review the matter and will submit its report, based on which a decision on the appropriate punishment will be made. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde spoke in the State L gislative Assembly on Tuesday and demanded that a case of sedition be registered against Abu Azmi.

"We condemn the murderer of Dharmaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, i.e. Aurangzeb whose melodies the Assembly member Abu Azmi sings," he was quoted by ANI.

'Should Go To Pakistan'

Kadam quoted Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane's criticism of Azmi where he said the latter "should go to Pakistan". “Is there anything wrong with what he said? I say he should go to Afghanistan.” Kadam added, “What difference does it make to take back the words? What’s the point of taking them back after stabbing someone in the chest?”

Azmi, in his first statement following this controversy, said, "I just got to know about the suspension. I didn't even speak in the assembly. Whatever I said outside, I didn't talk about any leader. I only said what is mentioned in the history about Aurangzeb. Is there any law or not?" Azmi said in a video message.

"Whatever I have said about Aurangzeb is something that has been stated by historians and writers. I have not made any derogatory remarks against Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj or any national icons. Still, if anyone is hurt by my remarks, then I take back my statements and comments," he said in a post on X.

Azmi's comments rocked both houses of the state legislature on Tuesday, with members of the ruling side demanding his suspension and that he be booked for treason.

The budget session of the state legislature will end on March 26.