Patna, March 5 -- Amid the controversy over the suspension of Maharashtra SP MLA Abu Azmi for his remarks on Aurangzeb, JD(U) MLC Khalid Anwar said on Wednesday that discussions on historical figures should remain academic and not be politicized.

He further stated that historians have described Aurangzeb as a good ruler and not as cruel as he is often depicted.

"People have different opinions on Aurangzeb. Historians have said that Aurangzeb was a good ruler and he was not as cruel as he is portrayed; there is a lobby which is trying to portray him as cruel. This is an academic discussion, and it can't be discussed on the Floor of Parliament or in a political rally. So, academic discussion should be left as academic. I don't understand ...