Eknath Shinde slams Rahul Gandhi over 'Shraddhanjali' post on Shivaji Maharaj, demands apology
Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly disrespecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his tribute on the occasion of Shiv Jayanti. Shinde expressed displeasure over Gandhi’s choice of words, stating that using the term shraddhanjali (condolence tribute) instead of adaranjali (respectful tribute) was an insult to the revered Maratha warrior and his legacy.
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Shinde said, “Today is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's birth anniversary. On this occasion, Shiv Jayanti is being celebrated with great enthusiasm across Maharashtra and the country. However, Rahul Gandhi's statement is highly insulting. This is not just an insult to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj but also to crores of his devotees and the people of Maharashtra. He has also insulted Savarkar ji many times. He should apologize for this mistake.”
◻️LIVE | 🗓️ 19-02-2025
— Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) February 19, 2025
📍 मुंबई
📹 पत्रकारांशी संवाद https://t.co/IwvkvZDfm4
Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi posted a tribute on social media, 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।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 19, 2025
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
The controversy erupted over Gandhi's use of shraddhanjali, a term traditionally used for deceased individuals, rather than adaranjali, which conveys respect for historical figures. This led to criticism from Shinde and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who accused Gandhi of insensitivity.
Born on February 19, 1630, at Shivneri Fort in Pune, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a 17th-century warrior king and the founder of the Maratha Empire. Known for his exceptional military strategies and governance, he established a strong administrative system and implemented reforms benefiting the local populace. His legacy remains a source of immense pride, particularly in Maharashtra, where he is venerated as a symbol of valor and justice.
The BJP also condemned Gandhi’s remarks, demanding an apology, while Congress leaders defended him, calling the controversy a deliberate political move. The incident has sparked a debate on the significance of language in historical tributes and the political implications of such statements.
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Telangana rains: Four farmers dead, three injured as sheds collapse in Mancherial
Karimnagar (Telangana) (PTI): Four farmers died, and three others were injured after tin-roofed sheds and dilapidated structures collapsed in two separate incidents in Mancherial district of Telangana, officials said on Wednesday.
The incidents occurred in two villages of Luxettipet mandal late on Tuesday night, when the farmers were taking shelter in the structures following heavy rain and strong winds.
According to officials, two people died when a shed caved in at Kothuru village.
In a separate incident in Gampalapalli village, two more persons died after another structure collapsed, police and district authorities said.
The three injured were shifted to a hospital in Karimnagar for treatment, police said.
Preliminary reports indicate that unseasonal rains accompanied by strong winds weakened the structures, leading to the collapses.
Authorities are assessing the situation, and further investigation is underway.
