A controversy has arisen following claims by Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, also known as Bageshwar Baba, that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj sought rest from battles and entrusted governance to Samarth Ramdas Swami. Shastri’s suggestion for Hindus to have four children, with one dedicated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, has stirred debate. The remarks were made in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat at an event in Nagpur.
Opposition leaders have criticized Shastri and the government for their silence during the speech. The Congress party, led by Vijay Wadettiwar and Harshavardhan Sapkal, denounced the statements as a distortion of history. They emphasized Shivaji Maharaj’s unwavering commitment to Swarajya and deemed the narrative of surrendering the state as historically unfounded. Congress has demanded Shastri’s arrest for disrespecting the state’s icon.
Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut expressed dismay over the disrespect to Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy, emphasizing his role in establishing Swarajya. He criticized the government for allowing such insults and called it a historical offense. NCP legislator Rohit Pawar called for a ban on Shastri in Maharashtra, urging the public to decide how to address the issue. Another NCP legislator, Jitendra Awhad, demanded an apology from Shastri, citing historical records that contradict his claims.
In response, the ruling Mahayuti alliance distanced itself from Shastri’s remarks while defending the religious event. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed the claims, stating the lack of historical evidence to support such narratives. He stressed the importance of relying on documented history regarding Shivaji Maharaj’s life and understanding saints’ perspectives properly. Fadnavis highlighted the significance of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in preserving Hindu culture and traditions.
