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).