NEW DELHI: A war of words between the BJP and Congress erupted on Wednesday after the ruling party accused Congress MP Rahul Gandhi of disrespecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by using the term “shraddhanjali” (homage) instead of “adaranjali” (respectful tribute) in his tribute on the Maratha ruler’s birth anniversary. BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar criticised Gandhi’s choice of words, calling it inappropriate and a slight to Maharashtra’s pride.
Bhatkhalkar demanded that Gandhi immediately retract his post on social media platform X or face legal consequences. “Rahul Gandhi has once again insulted Maharashtra’s pride. Using ‘shraddhanjali’ instead of ‘adaranjali’ is not just a mistake. He either intentionally or unintentionally keeps expressing his disregard for iconic figures from Maharashtra. It is a serious matter,” he said.
The Maharashtra BJP unit also condemned the Congress leader’s post, alleging that the party was misusing Shivaji Maharaj’s name for political gain. “Hindus will never forgive Congress for this,” the BJP stated on X. The party further accused Gandhi of deliberately choosing the term “shraddhanjali” to provoke controversy on the Maratha king’s birth anniversary.
Responding to the allegations, Congress state spokesperson Atul Londhe hit back at the BJP, pointing out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously used “shraddhanjali” in his tribute to Shivaji Maharaj. “If the BJP believes using ‘shraddhanjali’ is an insult, will they demand an apology from Modi as well?” Londhe asked.
He also accused the BJP of failing to truly honour Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy, citing incidents where the party had allegedly disrespected the Maratha ruler. “They talk about honouring Shivaji Maharaj, but what happened to the statue in Malvan (Sindhudurg district) that Modi inaugurated? It collapsed. What happened to the grand memorial in the Arabian Sea for which Modi performed ‘jalpujan’? Not a single brick has been laid,” Londhe alleged.
The Congress spokesperson further pointed out past controversies involving BJP leaders, including former Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, who had made remarks about Shivaji Maharaj that sparked outrage. “The BJP has repeatedly used Shivaji Maharaj for political gains while failing to honour his legacy. When will they apologise for their own actions?” Londhe asked.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Shivneri Fort in Pune district. Fadnavis hailed the Maratha ruler as a “management guru” and an able administrator who established ‘Swarajya’ and ignited a sense of national pride.
“Those who try to insult Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be shown their real place, and the state will not forgive them,” Fadnavis told reporters after the tribute ceremony. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving Shivaji Maharaj’s forts, stating that 12 of them had been nominated for UNESCO’s World Heritage Site status.