Shivaji Maharaj book row: Publisher, supporters detained ahead of protest against MLA's remark

Publisher Prashant Ambi and his supporters were detained by police in Maharashtra's Buldhana district on Tuesday ahead of a protest to condemn objectionable remarks made by Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad against him over a book on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Gaikwad kicked up a row last week after an audio clip of him using offensive language and threatening Kolhapur-based Ambi went viral on social media. The MLA referred to the book titled 'Shivaji Kon Hota' (Who was Shivaji?), written by CPI leader Govind Pansare and originally published in 1988. The Sena MLA had later expressed regret about his abusive remarks against a publisher, but maintained that the Maratha emperor should be addressed respectfully in the publication. According to sources, the police detained Ambi from a hotel in Chikhli when he arrived to take part in the protest, while his supporters and CPI activists were rounded up from the Natya Krida Mandir area in Buldhana city, where the agitation was to take place. The publisher had planned to hold a public reading of the book 'Shivaji Kon Aahe' during the agitation, they said. Published by Lokvangmay Griha, 'Shivaji Kon Hota' is a widely read Marathi book that shows Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a secular king. It has sold millions of copies and has over 75 editions.

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