SP MLA Kamal Akhtar Says Muslims Do Not Follow Aurangzeb or Akbar, Calls Focus on Mughal Rulers a Distraction:

Kamal Akhtar, Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA from Kanth and former cabinet minister in Uttar Pradesh, has made a clear statement distancing Indian Muslims from Mughal rulers like Aurangzeb and Akbar. Speaking at a public event in Hasanpur, Amroha, Akhtar emphasized that Muslims in the country follow the teachings of Allah and Prophet Muhammad (Huzoor)—not the legacy of kings from centuries ago.

“Akbar and Aurangzeb Were Just Rulers of Their Time”

Addressing the audience at the Ambedkar Swabhiman seminar, Akhtar stated:

"Muslims of this country do not consider Akbar or Aurangzeb as ideals. They were emperors of their time. What they did 300–400 years ago is not relevant today."

He further asserted that historical rulers are not role models for today's Muslims, and modern Muslims live by religious values, not royal legacies.

“Babur and Humayun Used to Distract From Real Issues”

In a pointed critique of the BJP, Kamal Akhtar accused the party of invoking names like Humayun and Babar during discussions about employment and governance. He said:

"Whenever jobs are discussed, these people start talking about Babar and Humayun to divert attention."

He added that no Indian Muslim follows the path of Mughal rulers like Aurangzeb or Babar, and that such references serve only to distract the youth from pressing issues like unemployment.

Political Debate Over Aurangzeb's Legacy

Akhtar’s comments come in the wake of a political uproar over the tomb of Aurangzeb located in Khuldabad near Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Since the controversy began, political statements regarding Aurangzeb have emerged across various Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh.