India, March 6 -- Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi was suspended for the rest of the budget session on Wednesday after his remarks hailing Mughal emperor Aurangzeb triggered a storm in the state legislature. For two days, both houses erupted in protest after Azmi called Aurangzeb a "good administrator" and claimed India had thrived under his rule.

Azmi's remarks, made on Monday, were met with a sharp backlash from ruling and opposition party leaders. He was suspended from the assembly after a resolution was moved by parliamentary affairs minister Chandrakant Patil. "The statement made by Azmi has created anger in society. It is also an insult to the august house and has tarnished its reputation. Considering this, I am moving a proposal ...