3 min readMumbaiApr 26, 2026 06:15 PM ISTCM Devendra Fadnavis has distanced the BJP from the row over Shivaji Maharaj (File photo).The ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra is facing a fierce political storm as the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) launched a coordinated attack over two separate controversies involving Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The row centres on threats issued by a Shiv Sena MLA over a 38-year-old book and “unhistorical” remarks made by preacher Dhirendra Shastri in the presence of top BJP and RSS leadership.The first flashpoint involved Buldhana Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, who is accused of verbally abusing and threatening Prashant Ambi, a Kolhapur-based publisher. Gaikwad reportedly took offence to the title of the iconic 1988 book Shivaji Kon Hota? (Who was Shivaji?), authored by the late veteran communist leader Govind Pansare.In a leaked audio clip, Gaikwad is heard using foul language and threatening the publisher with assault over the book’s title, despite the work being a staple of Marathi literature for nearly four decades.A day later, a second controversy erupted at the Bharat Durga Shaktisthal and Dharma Sabha in Nagpur. While sharing a stage with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, CM Devendra Fadnavis, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, preacher Dhirendra Shastri claimed that Shivaji Maharaj once told Guru Ramdas Swami he was “exhausted” and wanted to “give up his crown” to seek rest.Shastri narrated a story suggesting that the Maharaj continued to rule only because his Guru commanded it, a version of history that several scholars and opposition leaders have labelled distorted and derogatory.MVA demands apologies and arrestsMaharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal spearheaded the opposition’s response, demanding Gaikwad’s arrest and an apology from the top leadership present at Shastri’s event.“Fadnavis, Bhagwat, and Gadkari were present during Shastri’s programme, yet none of them objected to the insult of Shivaji Maharaj. Disrespecting the Maharaj seems to be a national policy of the BJP and RSS,” Sapkal alleged.Story continues below this adNCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar targeted the Home Department for failing to register an FIR against Gaikwad despite audio evidence. “This government should remember that the more they protect people like Gaikwad, the faster they will fall,” Pawar said, adding that “frauds” like Shastri should not be allowed back in Maharashtra.Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut questioned the silence of the CM and RSS chief on stage. “When people come to Maharashtra and state unhistorical things, the CM should have stopped them and informed them of the sentiments of the people,” Raut said.Fadnavis distances government from remarksIn Nashik, CM Fadnavis attempted to douse the fire by distancing himself from Shastri’s narrative. “There are no such examples in the historical records or books available to us. Sometimes, folk versions of great personalities evolve differently, much like the regional variations of the Ramayana and Mahabharata,” the CM said.While calling Gaikwad’s use of foul language “wrong,” Fadnavis questioned the timing of the book protest. “When we create an uproar without understanding them, it is not right. Everyone has respect for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in their hearts. It has been 40 years since this book was printed. Creating an issue now is not right. I am certain Deputy CM Eknath Shinde will reprimand Gaikwad properly.”Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdAdvertisementLoading Recommendations...