New Delhi, Jan 11 (IANS): Delhi BJP Spokesperson Tajinder Bagga has accused Maharashtra Chief Minister Udhav Thackeray of "backstabbing" Maratha sentiments, over not making the movie "Tanhaji", based on a Maratha warrior, tax free in his state.

Bagga tweeted: "I am Shocked why @OfficeofUT not declared Tax free to #Tanhaji till now. His whole politics is based on Maratha Pride, after backstabbing Hindutva, Uddhav Thackeray backstabbing Maharashtra too?"

"Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior" is a biographical period action drama in 3D, starring Ajay Devgan, Saif Ali Khan, Kajol and Sharad Kelkar. The film is directed by Om Raut. Set in the 17th century, it is based on the life of Tanaji Malusare, who was a subedar in the army of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, founder of the Maratha Empire.

The statement of Bagga assumes significance as "Chhapaak" and "Tanhaji" are faced with not just box office clash but a political one as well, with Congress backing Deepika starrer "Chhapaak" and BJP backing Ajay Devgan starrer "Tanhaji".

While the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh made "Chhapaak" tax free, Maharashtra government led by Shiv Sena, which espouses the Maratha cause, has not made "Tanhaji", a movie made on Maratha history, tax free in the state.

This political division came out ever since Deepika Padukone went to JNU in solidarity with the students there, forcing BJP supporters to give a boycott call to hurt movie's collection. Congress, in retaliation made it tax free in three states, to extend its support for Padukone.

But with the BJP accusing Shiv Sena of "backstabbing" the "Maratha pride", Thackeray is caught in a catch-22 situation. His government in the state depends on support from Congress and NCP MLAs.