The relationship between Maharashtra and Delhi has been tense, much like oil and water, up until 2014. Throughout the historical periods of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, the Peshwas, and even in modern times with Yashwantrao Chavan and Sharad Pawar, Maharashtra has often felt undermined by Delhi. This sense of contempt and control has been deeply rooted in Congress’s approach to the state.
Nehru’s Disrespect for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, one of India’s most celebrated prime ministers, has been criticized for his portrayal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his book Discovery of India, where he called Shivaji a “misguided patriot.” The comment angered many in Maharashtra, but to pacify them, Nehru, with Yashwantrao Chavan’s help, had a statue of Shivaji erected in Maharashtra.
Opposition to Ambedkar and Savarkar Congress has been known to oppose iconic figures from Maharashtra like Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and Swatantryaveer Savarkar. Congress played a significant role in Ambedkar’s defeat in two Lok Sabha elections and has consistently disrespected Savarkar’s ideology, which is seen today in the comments of Congress leaders like Rahul Gandhi.
Disrespecting Maharashtra’s Pride Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a symbol of pride for Maharashtra, has been repeatedly disrespected by Congress. From the removal of Shivaji’s statues in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka to leaders making offensive comments about the great ruler, Congress has followed a pattern of undermining his legacy.
Maharashtra’s Own “Traitors” There have been instances where even leaders from Maharashtra itself have sided with disrespectful comments about Shivaji Maharaj. Former Congress Chief Minister Jitendra Awhad made offensive remarks questioning the bloodline of Shivaji’s descendants and even praised Aurangzeb, a ruler historically opposed by Shivaji.
Sharad Pawar’s Stance NCP chief Sharad Pawar has also been criticized for his views on Shivaji Maharaj. Pawar has rarely visited Raigad and once controversially stated that there was no need to call Shivaji the “Janata Raja.” Leaders groomed by Pawar have also contributed to undermining the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj.
Uddhav Thackeray’s Shift While Balasaheb Thackeray was a staunch protector of Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy, his son Uddhav Thackeray has been accused of aligning with Congress’s ideology, which often clashes with Shivaji’s principles. Leaders from Uddhav’s camp have even praised Aurangzeb, further insulting the sacrifices of both Shivaji and Sambhaji Maharaj.
Opposition to Celebrating Shivaji Congress has often opposed public celebrations of Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy, including resisting the renaming of Aurangabad and delaying the construction of a grand statue of Shivaji Maharaj in the Arabian Sea.
The legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has been a major stumbling block for Congress, leading the party to consistently tarnish his image. The people of Maharashtra are now being called to stand up against those who betray the ideology of Shivaji Maharaj, showing them the metaphorical “Takmak Tok,” where traitors were once punished.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
