Gaikwad last week called the book's publisher, Prashant Ambi, and accused him of disrespecting Shivaji Maharaj, as the book's title refers to the iconic 17th-century ruler in the singular form instead of the honorific plural

The MLA purportedly used abusive language and threatened to assault the publisher during the conversation, an audio clip of which went viral. Gaikwad later claimed that it was a doctored audio clip

Pansare's book, published decades ago and reprinted many times, presents Shivaji Maharaj as a ruler who did not discrimate on the basis of religion

Strongly disapproving of Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad's rant about Govind Pansare's book, senior Maharashtra minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil on Tuesday said the use of abusive language amounted to insulting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

The MLA should not make "delusional statements" which bring disrepute to the government as well as his party, the BJP leader said