Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow

Lucknow, Mar 5: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a sharp attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP) in the state assembly on Wednesday for defending its Maharashtra MLA, Abu Azmi, over his controversial praise of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

Criticizing Azmi’s remarks, CM Yogi asserted that those who consider Aurangzeb a hero have no right to live in India. He demanded that the SP expel Azmi from the party, stating, “Send him to Uttar Pradesh, and we will ensure he is given the right treatment.” He accused SP leaders of betraying their ideological roots, recalling socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia’s legacy and urging them to align with India’s heritage rather than glorify invaders.

Calling it "unfortunate" that SP leaders admired Aurangzeb instead of honoring Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, CM Yogi questioned whether such individuals should be allowed to stay in the country. He further slammed SP’s contradictory stance, pointing out that while they criticized religious events like the Maha Kumbh, they defended a ruler responsible for temple destruction and religious oppression.

Azmi’s comments, in which he claimed Aurangzeb was "not a cruel leader," sparked outrage, leading to an FIR and his suspension from the Maharashtra Assembly. Despite the backlash, Azmi defended his statement, arguing that he was merely citing historians. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav also supported Azmi, opposing his suspension and calling it an attack on freedom of expression.

CM Yogi dismissed such defenses, citing historical records of Aurangzeb’s brutality, including his imprisonment of his own father, Shah Jahan. He questioned whether the SP truly considered a ruler infamous for religious persecution and forced conversions as its ideal. He concluded by stating that even among Muslims, the name Aurangzeb is rarely used because of its historical associations, reinforcing his argument against the SP’s stance.