Shivaji Remark Row Intensifies; Dhirendra Krishna Shastri Issues Apology
“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja was a continuous flow of energy. He never got tired and never bowed down”: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut
MUMBAI: The controversial remarks made by Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, known as Bageshwar Baba, about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj continue to evoke strong reactions in Maharashtra with Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut questioning the silence of the BJP and RSS leaders on the issue. The Congress accused Bageshwar Baba of insulting Shivaji Maharaj. Meanwhile, the spiritual leader has tendered an apology for his statements.
“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja was a continuous flow of energy. He never got tired and never bowed down. However, now some ‘Buva’ is coming to Maharashtra and trying to change the history. Maharashtra will never tolerate this,” said Raut.
The Rajya Sabha MP slammed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis saying the latter should have stopped Baba (during his speech). “Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat were present there when Shivaji Maharaj’s history was being distorted. Such prominent figures – who ought to possess a keen sense of history — should have intervened to stop Bageshwar Babb. Shivaji Maharaj disemboweled Afzal Khan and severed the fingers of Shaista Khan… yet you refer to such a great historical figure as a ‘tired man?’ This statement is being made deliberately,” Raut alleged.
The Sena (UBT) leader’s remarks came after Bageshwar Baba, speaking at an event in Nagpur, claimed that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj felt tired from continuous battles and approached Samarth Ramdas Swami, removed his crown and placed it at the saint’s feet, asking him to take over the administration of the kingdom.
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar too accused Bageshwar Baba of insulting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. “Has he studied the history of Shivaji Maharaj? He spoke whatever came to his mind and insulted Shivaji Maharaj on the land of Maharashtra,” he said.
Facing severe backlash, Bageshwar Baba has finally issued an apology saying his objective was to highlight Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s profound devotion towards the saints.
“I simply wished to convey the immense reverence that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj held for saints, spiritual masters and Goddess Tuljabhavani. However, by twisting the meaning of my words, certain individuals have portrayed the matter in a distorted light. My statement has been completely misconstrued. If my remarks have caused distress to anyone, or if anyone’s sentiments have been hurt, I offer my heartfelt apologies,” he said.
