Warrior king can’t be compared to anyone, say Sena, Congress, NCP

The release of a book comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during an event at the Delhi headquarters of the BJP attracted the ire of the three ruling parties in Maharashtra on Sunday.

The book, titled Aaj ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi, was released during a religious-cultural meet organised by the Delhi BJP.

Criticising the author and BJP leader Jay Bhagwan Goyal, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said Mr. Goyal was in the Sena until a few years ago, but was thrown out after he attacked Maharashtra Sadan. “This man has compared Narendra Modi to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Is it acceptable to Maharashtra leaders of the BJP? Is it acceptable to the descendants of the king? Shouldn’t they speak up?” he asked.

The king’s descendants include former NCP MP Chhatrapati Udayanraje Bhosle, who joined the BJP but lost the Lok Sabha bypoll, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje, a Rajya Sabha member from the BJP’s quota.

“At least the Maharashtra BJP should come clean and announce its position on this. Chhatrapati Shivaji cannot be compared to anyone in the world. There is one sun, one moon. There is only one Chhatrapti Shivaji Maharaj,” Mr. Raut said.

State Public Works Department minister and Congress leader Ashok Chavan said the personality and work of Shivaji Maharaj are unmatchable. His party, too, condemned the book. “Comparing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to Narendra Modi is an insult to the ideology with which Maharaj worked, which is exactly opposite to that of the BJP,” Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said.

NCP leader and State Social Justice Minister Dhananjay Munde said the action had hurt the feelings of all Marathi-speaking people. “Maharashtra will not forgive those who attempt to compare themselves to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” Mr. Munde said.

Meanwhile, Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe has filed a complaint against Mr. Goyal and the publisher at Nagpur’s Nandanvan police station, and sought a ban on the book.

Chhatrapati Sambhaj Raje said, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is our revered king. Comparing him to contemporary politicians is not acceptable to us Shiv Bhakts. The party that has published this book should not take our sentiments for granted. I demand the party president withdraw this book”