On the occasion of the 352nd coronation anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Harshwardhan Sapkal raised serious concerns about what he described as a growing trend of disrespect toward the revered Maratha king in Maharashtra. He accused the ruling BJP government of not only tolerating such behavior but also felicitating individuals who have insulted Shivaji Maharaj.
Speaking at a press conference at Gandhi Bhavan in Mumbai, Sapkal condemned what he called “vile and dangerous elements” that have been emboldened under the BJP regime. “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj envisioned a Hindu Swarajya that respected all castes and religions equally—a principle reflected in our Constitution,” he said. “Unfortunately, in today's Maharashtra, we are witnessing a shameless display by forces that once opposed Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation. These forces must now be decisively defeated.”
Citing a recent incident in Pune, Sapkal alleged that a man named Kulkarni desecrated the Shivsrushti project while his wife filmed the act. He further claimed that Kulkarni is a descendant of Bhaskar Kulkarni, who defended Afzal Khan. “These are the same elements who opposed Savitribai Phule, tried to undermine Tukaram’s teachings, and resisted the entry of marginalized communities into the Kalaram Temple,” Sapkal said, lamenting the lack of action against such individuals.
The Congress leader also targeted Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for spreading what he called “false narratives” about Shivaji Maharaj. “Yogi Adityanath falsely claims that Samarth Ramdas was Shivaji Maharaj’s guru, which is historically inaccurate. This is deliberate misinformation,” he asserted.
Sapkal further criticized BJP leaders for disrespecting Maharaj’s legacy by donning the jiratop (royal turban) without understanding its significance. “Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did the same, and now Yogi Adityanath has followed suit. This symbolic act, when done without reverence, amounts to an insult to Shivaji Maharaj and his followers. Both Modi and Yogi should publicly apologize.”
Sapkal concluded by urging the state government to take strict action against those insulting historical icons and fueling divisiveness in society.
