Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India]: Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has accused the media of focusing on debates about Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who died centuries ago, instead of addressing the pressing issues facing the nation. His comments come amid the ongoing controversy over the suspension of Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Abu Azmi from the Maharashtra Assembly.
In a post on X, Priyank Kharge stated, “The media debates about Aurangzeb, who died centuries ago, while there are no debates on the current crisis the nation faces. The economy is in distress, with high unemployment, a weakening rupee, declining purchasing power, and the alarming erosion of the middle and lower income groups. These issues directly impact millions of lives, yet the media chooses to ignore these to appease their political masters.”
Kharge further remarked that historical monarchs, regardless of their religious affiliations, were driven by power and wealth rather than the welfare of the common people. He emphasized that India’s youth are losing out on opportunities due to the nation’s obsession with ideological battles over the past. “As India remains entangled in ideological battles over the past, the youth, who should be shaping the country’s future, are losing out on opportunities in the present and future. Wake Up India!” he added.
SP MLA Abu Azmi’s Suspension Sparks Row in Maharashtra Assembly
Meanwhile, SP MLA Abu Azmi has been suspended for the entire duration of the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly’s Budget session following his remarks about Aurangzeb. Azmi had reportedly stated that Aurangzeb was not a “cruel administrator” and had “built many temples.” He also argued that the conflict between Aurangzeb and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was about state administration rather than religion.
Terming his suspension as “arbitrary,” Azmi took to X to express his concerns, saying, “My suspension is arbitrary on the part of the government; there is a threat to my life and that of my family. Two laws are in force in Maharashtra; if democracy has ended in Maharashtra, then the government can do anything to the public and the elected representatives of the public.”
Azmi claimed that he had offered to withdraw his statement outside the Assembly to ensure that the House could function smoothly but was suspended nonetheless. “To ensure that the House functions, I spoke about withdrawing my statement. I did not say anything wrong. Still, there is a controversy and proceedings of the House are being stalled,” he stated.
Akhilesh Yadav Backs Abu Azmi, Calls Suspension a Violation of Freedom of Expression
Samajwadi Party Chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav came out in support of Abu Azmi, arguing that the suspension violated freedom of expression. Yadav contended that differing viewpoints should be allowed in a democratic setup and that the suspension set a dangerous precedent for legislative conduct.
The incident has sparked a broader debate on freedom of expression and the role of historical narratives in current political discourse.
Key Issues Highlighted:
- Economic Concerns: Priyank Kharge criticized the media for ignoring issues such as unemployment, a weakening rupee, and declining purchasing power.
- Freedom of Expression: Abu Azmi’s suspension has raised questions about the suppression of dissent in legislative assemblies.
- Historical Narratives: The focus on Aurangzeb and other historical figures continues to polarize public and political discourse in India.