Mumbai: The 395th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was celebrated across the country on Wednesday with great enthusiasm. On this occasion, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi tweeted a tribute to the revered Maratha king. However, his choice of words sparked controversy.
Tweet Of Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi
In his tweet, he wrote, “On the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary, I offer my salutations and humble homage. His courage and bravery inspire us to raise our voices fearlessly and with dedication. His life is a source of inspiration for us.”
BJP Attacks Rahul Gandhi Over His Use Of The Word Homage
The BJP strongly objected to his use of the word homage (Shraddhanjali), arguing that it was inappropriate usage for a birth anniversary, whereas respectful tribute (Aadaranjali) was the correct term that should have been used. The party leaders further accused Rahul Gandhi of repeatedly showing inadvertent disrespect toward Maharashtra’s great leaders.
BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar demanded that Gandhi immediately correct his tweet and replace the word ‘shraddhanjaliʼ. “Rahul Gandhi deliberately disrespected Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by offering homage instead of a respectful tribute on his birth anniversary. Congress’s habit of exploiting great leaders for political gain once again stands exposed. Maharashtra BJP has declared that Hindus will never forgive this anti-Shivaji stance of the Congress,” he avowed.
Statement Of Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also took the view that Rahul Gandhi’s remarks had insulted Maharashtra. Shinde further said, “I condemn those who disrespect Maharashtra’s great leaders. Rahul Gandhi should apologise to all Shiv devotees.”
Congress Hits Back
In response to the criticism, the Congress countered by sharing a screenshot of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tweet on Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. In his tweet, Modi had written, “Humble homage to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on his birth anniversary.” The Congress then raised the question, “Isn’t this also an insult to Mahatma Gandhi?”
Statement Of Congress State Chief Harshvardhan Sapkal
Congress state chief Harshvardhan Sapkal stated, “If we were to consider it in Marathi, there could be some objection, but in Hindi, the tweet is correct. The word ‘shraddhanjali’ is commonly used in Hindi. Prime Minister Modi has used this word while paying tribute to many people. Rahul Gandhi’s tweet was entirely in Hindi, so there is nothing objectionable about it. Had the tweet been in Marathi, the objection could have been understandable.”
