NEW DELHI: A confrontation between the BJP and Congress erupted on Wednesday after the ruling occasion accused Congress MP Rahul Gandhi of disrespecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj through the use of the time period “shraddhanjali” (homage) as a substitute of “adaranjali” (respectful tribute) in his tribute on the Maratha ruler’s beginning anniversary. BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar criticised Gandhi’s selection of phrases, calling it inappropriate and a slight to Maharashtra’s satisfaction.
Bhatkhalkar demanded that Gandhi instantly retract his publish on social media platform X or face authorized penalties. “Rahul Gandhi has once again insulted Maharashtra’s pride. Using ‘shraddhanjali’ instead of ‘adaranjali’ is not just a mistake. He either intentionally or unintentionally keeps expressing his disregard for iconic figures from Maharashtra. It is a serious matter,” he mentioned.
The Maharashtra BJP unit additionally condemned the Congress chief’s publish, alleging that the occasion was misusing Shivaji Maharaj’s identify for political achieve. “Hindus will never forgive Congress for this,” the BJP acknowledged on X. The occasion additional accused Gandhi of intentionally selecting the time period “shraddhanjali” to impress controversy on the Maratha king’s beginning anniversary.
Responding to the allegations, Congress state spokesperson Atul Londhe hit again on the BJP, declaring that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had beforehand used “shraddhanjali” in his tribute to Shivaji Maharaj. “If the BJP believes using ‘shraddhanjali’ is an insult, will they demand an apology from Modi as well?” Londhe requested.
He additionally accused the BJP of failing to actually honour Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy, citing incidents the place the occasion had allegedly disrespected the Maratha ruler. “They talk about honouring Shivaji Maharaj, but what happened to the statue in Malvan (Sindhudurg district) that Modi inaugurated? It collapsed. What happened to the grand memorial in the Arabian Sea for which Modi performed ‘jalpujan’? Not a single brick has been laid,” Londhe alleged.
The Congress spokesperson additional identified previous controversies involving BJP leaders, together with former Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, who had made remarks about Shivaji Maharaj that sparked outrage. “The BJP has repeatedly used Shivaji Maharaj for political gains while failing to honour his legacy. When will they apologise for their own actions?” Londhe requested.
In the meantime, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, together with deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Shivneri Fort in Pune district. Fadnavis hailed the Maratha ruler as a “management guru” and an ready administrator who established ‘Swarajya’ and ignited a way of nationwide satisfaction.
“Those who try to insult Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be shown their real place, and the state will not forgive them,” Fadnavis informed reporters after the tribute ceremony. He additionally reiterated the federal government’s dedication to preserving Shivaji Maharaj’s forts, stating that 12 of them had been nominated for UNESCO’s World Heritage Website standing.
