NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Abu Asim Azmi is set to appear before the investigation officer on Wednesday in connection with his controversial statement on Aurangzeb, police officials said.
Earlier, it was reported that Azmi would not be attending as he was out of the country and expected to return in two days. However, officials have now clarified that he will be present for the investigation as per the court’s directive.
Court orders Azmi to appear for investigation
The Mumbai Sessions Court had directed Azmi to appear before the investigation officer in relation to his statement about Aurangzeb. The court specified that he must appear on March 12, 13, and 15, between 11 am and 1 pm.
On Tuesday, Azmi was granted anticipatory bail by the court on a solvent surety bond of ?20,000. He had filed for bail to avoid arrest, and the court also instructed him not to tamper with any evidence.
Case background: Controversial statement sparks opposition
Azmi’s remarks, made within the premises of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, faced strong opposition from leaders across political parties. Following the controversy, Mumbai Police registered a case against him under sections 299, 302, 356(1), and 356(2) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Amid the backlash, Azmi accused the media of distorting his words and misrepresenting his statement. In response, he wrote to Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, requesting that his suspension be revoked.
Azmi’s defence: Claims media misrepresented his statement
In his letter to Speaker Narwekar, Azmi claimed that his statement had been misinterpreted, leading to an unfair portrayal of him.
“The media tried to malign me by misrepresenting my statement, so I humbly request that my suspension be withdrawn as I am not at fault in this matter,” he wrote.
Explaining the situation, Azmi stated that on March 3, journalists approached him outside the Assembly and asked for his reaction to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s statement comparing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to Aurangzeb.
“On March 3, media representatives followed me while leaving the hall. Outside the hall, they asked me the question that the Chief Minister of Assam compared Rahul Gandhi to Aurangzeb. In this context, I quoted Meena Bhargava’s article and said he helped the temples,” he said.
Clarification on historical context
Azmi further clarified that he had not made any statements regarding Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and that his words were taken out of context.
“No statement has been made about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. I showed respect for them. My image has been tarnished by attributing to me words that I didn’t speak,” he stated.
Defending his remarks on Aurangzeb, Azmi insisted that his views were based on historical records. He emphasised that the conflicts during Aurangzeb’s reign were about power and land rather than religion.
“During the time of Aurangzeb, India’s borders reached Brahmadesh and Afghanistan, and people had a lot of gold in their homes, and there was a golden age in India. I have said that Aurangzeb was a good administrator while quoting the above historical facts. Aurangzeb and Chhatrapati Shivaji or Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj were not fighting for religion but for power and land. I do not believe in caste and religion discrimination,” Azmi stated.
Respect for Chhatrapati Shivaji and Sambhaji Maharaj
Azmi reiterated his respect for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, maintaining that he had not made any disrespectful remarks about them.
“I have not made any objectionable statement about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj or Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. I have great respect for both the above great men,” he said.
Political reactions and legal developments continue
Azmi’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism from various political groups, and the legal proceedings in the case are ongoing. His scheduled appearance before the investigation officer will be a key moment in the case.
As tensions surrounding the issue remain high, the next steps in the investigation and court hearings will be closely monitored.