Controversy Erupts Over Bageshwar Dham Head's Remarks on Shivaji Maharaj

Bageshwar Dham head, Dhirendra Shastri, has issued an apology following backlash over remarks concerning Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shastri, during a program in Nagpur, allegedly claimed Shivaji Maharaj desired to renounce responsibilities due to warfare fatigue, a statement he says was distorted on social media.

Criticism came from many quarters, including Maratha royal Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, who accused Shastri of presenting misleading narratives. Sambhajiraje urged the Maharashtra government to ban Shastri's events, arguing that he disrespects Shivaji Maharaj's historical contribution and inaccurately depicts history.

The Maharashtra Congress president, Harshwardhan Sapkal, addressed Shastri's remarks, suggesting they were part of a BJP strategy to distort historical narratives. He called for an apology from key BJP figures present during the speech, noting their lack of protest. Devendra Fadnavis remarked that history should not be distorted and controversies avoided.

(With inputs from agencies.)