Abu Azmi row: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s descendant Udayanraje Bhosale demand for strict law 

BJP MP Udayanraje Bhosale. File.
| Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s descendant and BJP MP Udayanraje Bhosale demanded for stringent law against persons who make disrespectful remarks about Maratha icons, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Mr. Bhosale’s remarks come after ongoing controversy triggered by legislator Abu Azmi who praised Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. 

“Anyone making wrong statements against Shahaji Chhatrapati Maharaj, Rajmata Jijau, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj should be punished,” said Mr. Bhosale, adding that they are deities who need to be respected. 

Few days back, Samajwadi Party State chief Abu Azmi made a statement mentioning India flourished during Aurangzeb’s regime. This statement praising Aurangzeb, who got Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj executed in late 17th century, had created uproar in Maharashtra as well as Uttar Pradesh. Both opposition and ruling alliance criticised Abu Azmi. He has been suspended till the end of budget session. 

While speaking to the media, he said, “Irrespective of parties be it the ruling alliance or the opposition the person should be lawfully punished.” He also asked State government and the Central government to table the law in the ongoing budget session.”

Mr. Bhosale also reiterated on publishing of a book documenting the life of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the formation of a committee of experts to review films before their release.