Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched a scathing attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP) following controversial remarks by its Maharashtra leader Abu Azmi, who praised Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. In a heated debate in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council, Adityanath accused SP of supporting a historical figure known for persecuting India's faith and culture. Calling for Azmi’s immediate expulsion, he challenged SP’s silence on the matter and demanded that the party take a clear stance.The controversy erupted when Abu Azmi, an SP MLA from Maharashtra, made statements glorifying Aurangzeb, sparking political backlash across Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. In response, Yogi Adityanath stated that if the SP did not act against Azmi, it would prove the party's true ideological alignment. He went a step further, saying that if Azmi were sent to Uttar Pradesh, the state "knows how to take care of such people."
 

Yogi Adityanath Challenges SP’s Stand on Aurangzeb

During his speech, Adityanath criticized SP’s silence on Abu Azmi’s remarks, questioning why the party had not publicly disowned its leader. He argued that SP’s failure to act was a deliberate attempt to cater to a section of voters who admired Aurangzeb."A person who feels ashamed of the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj but considers Aurangzeb his hero—does he even have the right to live in India?" Adityanath asked, demanding Azmi’s immediate expulsion from SP.The Chief Minister also accused SP of hypocrisy, pointing out that the party criticizes religious traditions like Kumbh while glorifying a ruler who destroyed temples and imposed religious taxes on non-Muslims. He demanded that SP either expel Azmi or call him to a public forum to clarify his stance.
 

Abu Azmi Suspended from Maharashtra Assembly, But SP Remains Silent

As the controversy intensified, the Maharashtra Assembly suspended Abu Azmi until the end of the Budget Session. However, the Samajwadi Party has not officially taken any disciplinary action against him, leading to further criticism from BJP leaders and Hindu organizations.Yogi Adityanath continued his attack, stating that if SP truly did not support Aurangzeb’s ideology, they should have already removed Azmi. He warned that the party’s silence revealed its real intentions."If SP truly does not support Aurangzeb’s ideology, why are they not removing him? Their silence shows their real intentions," Adityanath said.
 

The Historical Debate Over Aurangzeb’s Legacy

The debate over Aurangzeb’s rule has long been a polarizing issue in Indian politics. The Mughal emperor is remembered for his aggressive expansionism, destruction of temples, and the imposition of the jaziya tax on non-Muslims. He is also known for persecuting Sikh and Hindu leaders, making his legacy controversial in modern India.Yogi Adityanath invoked historical records, claiming that even Aurangzeb’s father, Shah Jahan, regretted having him as a son. He quoted Shah Jahan’s supposed writings, stating that "even a Hindu son is better than Aurangzeb because a Hindu serves his parents with devotion, while Aurangzeb left his father to die of thirst."Adityanath also pointed out that modern Indian Muslims do not name their children Aurangzeb, arguing that this reflected the emperor’s tarnished historical reputation.
 

Political Fallout and Its Implications

The Yogi Adityanath vs SP battle over Aurangzeb’s legacy is expected to have major political ramifications, especially in the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

For BJP:

• Yogi Adityanath is expected to continue his aggressive stance against SP, making the Aurangzeb debate a core election issue.
• The Hindutva narrative will likely dominate the BJP’s campaign, using the controversy to mobilize support in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.

For Samajwadi Party:

• SP now faces pressure to clarify its stance on Azmi’s remarks to avoid losing voters opposed to Aurangzeb’s legacy.
• The controversy could alienate sections of voters in Uttar Pradesh, where historical narratives play a key role in political identity.

With the 2024 elections approaching, the Aurangzeb controversy is expected to fuel further clashes between BJP and SP, reinforcing polarizing debates on cultural identity and historical narratives.

Will the SP Expel Abu Azmi or Face Backlash?

The ball is now in Akhilesh Yadav’s court, as he must decide whether to expel Abu Azmi and distance the party from his remarks or continue facing pressure from BJP and Hindu organizations.

• If SP removes Azmi, it might pacify critics but risk backlash from certain voter groups.
• If SP defends Azmi, it may further energize BJP’s Hindutva narrative, helping the ruling party consolidate its electoral base.

The Bigger Picture: Historical Narratives and Political Strategies

The BJP vs SP clash over Aurangzeb and cultural identity underscores a larger battle in Indian politics—the interpretation of history for electoral gains. While BJP positions itself as the protector of India’s religious heritage, SP and other opposition parties often criticize this approach as divisive politics.As the nation moves toward the 2024 elections, this political and historical debate will continue shaping public discourse, particularly in states where history and cultural identity play a decisive role in elections. Whether this controversy strengthens BJP’s position in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra or forces SP to modify its political strategy remains to be seen.