Udit Raj Supports Abu Azmi's Aurangzeb Remarks; Massive Protest Outside Maharashtra Assembly

The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly saw heated protests as the budget session began on March 3rd, following controversial remarks made by Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Abu Azmi. Azmi, while speaking to the media, stated that Aurangzeb was an “excellent administrator” and denied that he was a cruel ruler, even claiming that Aurangzeb had built several temples. His statement triggered a wave of anger across Maharashtra, particularly due to the growing admiration for Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, whose valor was highlighted in the recent film Chhaava.The statement drew sharp criticism from Maharashtra's Deputy CM, Eknath Shinde, who called for a sedition case against Azmi, questioning how someone who had imprisoned and killed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj could be considered an exemplary ruler. Shinde demanded an apology from Azmi for insulting the legacy of the Maratha king.Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray also expressed outrage, questioning the inaction of the ruling government over such remarks. Azmi’s controversial statements have sparked widespread protests, with calls for strict action against him. This isn’t the first time Azmi has stirred controversy, as he has faced backlash in the past for similar remarks supporting Mughal rulers.