Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 3 : Calling Samajwadi Party leader and Maharashtra MLA Abu Azmi's reported remarks about Aurangzeb "wrong and unacceptable," Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday said that he should be charged with "treason."
"His statement is wrong and should be condemned. Aurangzeb tortured Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj for 40 days; calling such a person good is the biggest sin, and hence, Abu Azmi should apologise. Our CM has taken this matter seriously. He should be charged with treason," Shinde told reporters.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the historical drama Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal, for its portrayal of the bravery of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
Speaking at the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in New Delhi, PM Modi lauded Maharashtra's significant contribution to both Marathi and Hindi cinema.
PM Modi said, "Ye Maharashtra aur Mumbai hi hai jisne Marathi filmon ke saath-saath, Hindi cinema ko ye unchai di hai. Aur in dino toh, Chhaava ki dhoom machi hui hai." (Maharashtra and Mumbai have elevated Hindi cinema along with Marathi films, and Chhaava is making waves these days.)
He also credited Shivaji Sawant's historical Marathi novel Chhava for introducing the valour of Sambhaji Maharaj to a wider audience.
Produced under the banner of Maddock Films, 'Chhaava' is a period drama that portrays the legendary story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, played by Vicky Kaushal. The film is set to depict the courageous Maratha ruler's legendary reign, beginning with his coronation in 1681.
The film also stars Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna.
'Chhaava' is touted to be a "stirring tale of the courageous warrior whose coronation on this day in 1681 marked the beginning of a legendary reign."