Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly disrespecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by using the term shraddhanjali (condolence tribute) instead of adaranjali (respectful tribute) in his message on Shiv Jayanti. The occasion, marking the birth anniversary of the revered Maratha warrior, is being celebrated with enthusiasm across Maharashtra and the country.
While speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Shinde expressed his displeasure, stating that Gandhi’s choice of words was not only an insult to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj but also to millions of Shiv devotees and the people of Maharashtra. He also accused Gandhi of repeatedly disrespecting freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in the past and demanded an apology.
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मुंबई
पत्रकारांशी संवाद https://t.co/IwvkvZDfm4
— Eknath Shinde – एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) February 19, 2025
“Today is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary. On this occasion, Shiv Jayanti is being celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country and Maharashtra. On the other hand, Rahul Gandhi’s statement is very insulting. This is not only an insult to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj but also to crores of Shiv devotees and Maharashtra. He (Rahul Gandhi) has also insulted Savarkar ji many times. He should apologise for this mistake,” Shinde said.
Rahul Gandhi’s Controversial Post On Shivaji Jayanti
Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi had paid tribute to Shivaji Maharaj, stating, “On the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, I pay my respectful obeisance to him and offer my humble tribute. With his courage and bravery, he inspired us to raise our voices with fearlessness and full dedication. His life will always be a source of inspiration for all of us.”
छत्रपति शिवाजी महाराज जी की जयंती पर उन्हें सादर नमन और अपनी विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करता हूं।
अपने साहस और शौर्य से उन्होंने हमें निडरता और पूरे समर्पण के साथ आवाज़ उठाने की प्रेरणा दी।
उनका जीवन हम सभी के लिए सदैव प्रेरणास्रोत रहेगा। pic.twitter.com/1jOCYOkrC1
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 19, 2025
The tribute was shared through a social media post, but the controversy arose over the use of the term shraddhanjali, which is traditionally used for the deceased, rather than adaranjali, which conveys respect for a historical or living legacy.
About Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, born on February 19, 1630, at Shivneri Fort in Pune, was a legendary 17th-century Indian warrior king and the founder of the Maratha Empire. Known for his exceptional military tactics and governance, he laid the foundation of the Maratha Empire in western India in 1674, following fierce battles against the Mughals.
Beyond his military achievements, Shivaji Maharaj is also celebrated for establishing a well-organiaed administrative system and implementing a broad civil code that benefitted the local populace. His legacy remains a powerful symbol of pride and inspiration, particularly in Maharashtra.
