Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar suspended Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi for Wednesday and the rest of the budget session for his comments about Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. This decision came after a proposal was introduced in the Maharashtra Assembly today, objecting to Azmi's statements.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandrakant Patil told the House that Azmi’s controversial remarks had disrespected the dignity of the Assembly. As a result, a proposal for his suspension was put forward and approved by the Speaker.

Azmi allegedly stated that Aurangzeb was not a “cruel administrator” and had “built many temples.” He also argued that the dispute between the Mughal emperor and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was related to state administration rather than a Hindu-Muslim conflict.

On Tuesday, Azmi explained that his remarks had been misunderstood and stated that he was willing to withdraw his statement and apologise if it had caused any offence.

“My words have been twisted. I only mentioned what historians and writers have documented about Aurangzeb Rahmatullah Ali,” Azmi stated.

“I have not made any derogatory comments about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, or any other great leaders. However, if my statement has hurt anyone, I take back my words,” he stated in video footage on platform X.

The MLA, who also serves as the Samajwadi Party's chief in Maharashtra, alleged that political rivals were taking advantage of the situation for their gain. “This matter is being politicised, and I believe disrupting the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly’s budget session over this issue is detrimental to the people of Maharashtra,” said Azmi.

A zero FIR was initially registered against Azmi at Naupada Police Station in Thane. He was later transferred to the Marine Drive Police Station in Mumbai over his remarks on Aurangzeb. Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske filed the complaint.

The BJP strongly reacted to Azmi’s comments, criticising members of the INDIA bloc and questioning why they were trying to glorify Aurangzeb.