Mumbai: BJP MP and descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Udayan Raje Bhosale, has strongly condemned Marathi actor Rahul Solapurkar for his controversial statement about the Maratha king. Bhosale has demanded strict action against individuals who defame national icons, suggesting that such acts should be treated as treason.
About The Controversy
The controversy erupted after Solapurkar, known for his roles in various Marathi films and television series, claimed in a podcast interview that Shivaji Maharaj had bribed Mughal ministers to escape from Aurangzeb’s custody in Agra. He further refuted the account that Shivaji and his son, Sambhaji, concealed themselves in baskets of sweetmeats to evade capture.
His comments have sparked widespread outrage across Maharashtra. NCP SP MLA Jeetendra Awhad and BJP MP from Beed, Suresh Dhas, have also condemned Solapurkar’s remarks. They have called for stringent measures to prevent such statements and urged authorities to take action against the actor. Additionally, workers from the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray-led Shiv Sena staged a protest outside Solapurkar’s residence in Pune.
Rahul Solapurkar Issues A Public Apology
Amid the growing backlash, Solapurkar has issued a public apology, acknowledging that his comments had hurt people's sentiments.
Speaking to the media in Delhi, Udayan Raje Bhosale expressed his anger over the actor’s statement. "Solapurkar's remarks have deeply hurt the followers of Shivaji Maharaj. There is strong outrage against him in the state. People with such a mentality should be shot. If such perverts continue to rise in the country, the sovereignty of our nation will be under threat. They create divisions among castes and religions. Such individuals should be punished under treason laws," he asserted.
Bhosale also emphasized the need for digital censorship, stating that it has become increasingly difficult to control the spread of viral content. Meanwhile, BJP MLA Suresh Dhas took a more aggressive stance, urging that Solapurkar should be beaten in public wherever he is seen. "Whatever he said is wrong," Dhas remarked.
