Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath strongly criticized those who admire Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, asserting that no “civilized Muslim” would name their son after him. His remarks came in response to Maharashtra Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi’s claim that Aurangzeb was not cruel and had built temples for Hindus. Azmi was subsequently suspended from the Maharashtra Assembly.
Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2025, Adityanath recounted Aurangzeb’s actions, including the imprisonment of his father, Shah Jahan, and the destruction of temples such as Baba Vishwanath’s dham (now Gyanvapi) in Varanasi and Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura. He also highlighted the imposition of the Jaziya tax on Hindus and the mass killings under Aurangzeb’s rule.
The Chief Minister warned that Uttar Pradesh would deal strictly with those who glorify such historical figures. His remarks have ignited a political debate, with supporters defending his views and opponents accusing him of communal rhetoric.
