SP MLA Azmi being forced to make controversial statements: Cong leader Wadettiwar

Mumbai: Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Wednesday claimed that Samajwadi Party state president Abu Asim Azmi was under pressure and was being "forced" to make controversial remarks.

Azmi on Sunday said Muslims have never complained about 'wari', the foot march by devotees of Lord Vitthal to the temple town of Pandharpur, though some leaders like Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath keep opposing namaz on the streets.

The statement had evoked a sharp response from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who accused Azmi of seeking publicity, while Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske claimed such remarks build up grievances against the Muslim community.

NCP's chief spokesperson Anand Paranjpe had also condemned the Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA's comment, saying he has become a "toxic element" in Maharashtra.

Talking to reporters in Nagpur, former minister Wadettiwar claimed, "Azmi is under tremendous pressure. He is being forced to make controversial remarks so that speeches can be made to polarise Hindus and Muslims." The Congress leader, however, did not elaborate on his claims.

Earlier this year, Azmi's remarks eulogising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb led to a controversy, following which he was suspended from the state legislative assembly's membership for the budget session.