25 April,2026 08:08 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondent
Shivaji Maharaja statue. File Pic
A political and social controversy erupted after Dhirendra Krishna Shastri popularly know as Bageshwar Baba made remarks about Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during a public event in Nagpur.
He claimed that Shivaji Maharaj grew tired of continuous battles and once placed his crown at the feet of Samarth Ramdas Swami, asking him to take over the kingdom's administration. He also suggested that Hindu families should have four children, with at least one joining the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
The comments were made in the presence of senior leaders including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, which made the topic further more sensitive.
Opposition parties strongly criticised the statement, calling it a distortion of history and an insult to Shivaji Maharaj.
Congress leaders, including Vijay Wadettiwar and Harshavardhan Sapkal, said Shivaji Maharaj never surrendered his kingdom and never "tired" to dedicate his life to Swarajya. They also questioned the silence of those present at the event.
Congress demanded legal action, saying such claims insult a revered historical figure.
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut said Shivaji Maharaj was an independent ruler who built Swarajya and that such claims 'distort history'.
He also accused the ruling Mahayuti alliance of allowing a platform for such statements.
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Rohit Pawar went further, demanded ban on Shastri in Maharashtra and warned of public backlash if no action is taken. He added that he does not think the government will take action, and therefore, the Shiv-loving public must decide whether to tolerate and ignore or to teach a lesson., reported the news agency.
The ruling Mahayuti alliance attempted to calm the controversy. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said there is no historical evidence supporting the claim that Shivaji Maharaj surrendered his throne. He added that while saints may express personal views, historical facts about Shivaji Maharaj must be respected and verified through authentic sources.
CM stated that many folktales and stories circulate, but as far as documented history is concerned, there is no evidence of such an incident, as per the news agency.
While the government has distanced itself from the remarks, opposition parties continue to demand accountability and action. The issue has now turned into a wider political debate over history, public statements, and respect for historical icons.
(With IANS Inputs)
