Sand artist Rajesh Muliya creates a sand sculpture of Chhatrapati Shivaji to pay tribute on the eve of his birth anniversary in Surendranagar. PTI file photo.

Raigad (Maharashtra): BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi said on Sunday that Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had not looted Surat, but plundered Mughal emperor Aurangazeb's treasure in the city with the help of local people.

"Saying that Shivaji Maharaj looted Surat would be an insult to the Maratha warrior," said Modi during a function at the Raigad fort organised by Sangli-based foundation Shiv Pratishthan.

"He looted Aurangazeb's treasure with help of local people which was used for welfare of the common man," he said.

A 'distorted' image of Shivaji has been projected for long, Modi said.

"He is shown just as a warrior. But, Shivaji was an excellent administrator whose style of functioning is relevant even on Sunday. This aspect is ignored," Modi lamented.

Local Shiv Sena MP Anant Gite, Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Vinod Tawde and Maharashtra BJP president Devendra Phadanvis were present during the function, attended by over 7,000 people.

Tight security was put in place at the Raigad fort for the event.