Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Feb 19: A post by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on social media paying tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his 395th birth anniversary has triggered a political storm. The BJP, along with Sambhaji Raje, the 13th direct descendant of the Maratha warrior, strongly criticized Gandhi's message, questioning the appropriateness of paying tribute on a birth anniversary.

In his post, Gandhi wrote, "On the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, I pay my respectful obeisance to him and offer my humble tribute. With his courage and bravery, he inspired us to raise our voice with fearlessness and full dedication. His life will always be a source of inspiration for all of us."

BJP legislator Atul Bhatkhalkar condemned Gandhi’s statement, calling it an insult to Maharashtra and its people. He warned of potential legal action if the Congress leader did not retract his post, accusing him of disrespecting the great leaders of the state.

Ports and Shipping Minister Nitesh Rane also criticized Gandhi, while former MP Sambhaji Raje questioned the phrasing, asking, “Does anyone pay tribute on the birth anniversary?”

The Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, led by Prakash Ambedkar, also joined in, criticizing Gandhi's use of the term "tribute" instead of "salute," and demanded an apology.

However, Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal defended Gandhi, urging the BJP to focus on real issues like rising unemployment and the plight of women rather than creating controversies over grammatical errors. Party spokesperson Atul Londhe also accused the BJP of deflecting attention from important matters.