Mumbai: BJP MP Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has taken up the issue of derogatory comments against prominent historical figures with the Central government.
Bhosale has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to enact a special law to curb repeated insults directed at Chhatrapati Shivaji. He wants such offences to be non-bailable, with a minimum sentence of 10 years. This, he said, would serve as a deterrent to defamatory actions in the future. He added that on April 12, the death anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, an announcement regarding the law is expected to be made by Shah and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at Raigad Fort.
Bhosale said that such an announcement would carry significant weight. The anger over the continuous defamation of Shivaji Maharaj had previously led Bhosale to issue a stern warning to the state government. Addressing the recurring objectionable remarks, he asked whether the government was turning a blind eye to the issue and demanded that elected representatives from all political parties come together to convene a special session and pass an immediate law addressing this matter.
Bhosale has also urged the state government to engage in consultations with experts and interpret historical documents correctly to publish the accurate history of Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha Empire. He stressed that individuals with distorted views often misinterpret historical events, creating unnecessary disputes, sowing division within society. This, in turn, disrupts public order and deteriorates the overall law and order.
