Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP MLA Murugesh Nirani apologized on Tuesday after a WhatsApp message that allegedly mocked Hindu Gods was shared from his personal mobile number, sparking a controversy.
The screenshot of the message was telecast by some local news channels, which also showed Primary and Secondary Education Minister S Suresh Kumar leaving the WhatsApp group after it was posted.
Nirani, a former Minister, later released a video statement tendering a public apology. He said the number was his.
However, he added that the message was not forwarded by him and hinted that it may have been done unintentionally by his personal assistant (PA).
"For the purpose of public relations, my PA and gunman use the number. Last night, the phone was with my PA. Due to negligence, the message that came from somewhere got forwarded, creating a hullabaloo. The mistake is a mistake, regardless of who committed it. It was not forwarded intentionally and those with me have apologized for the mistake. I apologize to the people of the state," he said.
Nirani, who represents Bilgi constituency, said he is tolerant of all religions and has never spoken lightly about religion or faith, adding, he had utmost respect and devotion in the 'Sanatana Dharma.
"As a Hindu, I am proud of my religion. This mistake happened because of my PA's indiscretion. People should not mistake me because of this...On behalf of my staff and my personal behalf, I once again apologize. Let this issue not continue further and create more confusion. I assure you that I will be careful going forward to make sure this doesn't happen again," he added.
Responding to a question on the issue, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly and Congress leader Siddaramaiah said Niriani should first clarify if he believes in God.
"Insulting God amounts to insulting every person who believes in God and causing pain to them," Siddaramaiah told reporters.
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LONDON/MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government has acquired the sword of Raghuji Bhosale, founder of the Nagpur Bhosale dynasty and a distinguished commander in the Maratha army under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, after winning it in an auction in London.
Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar formally took possession of the weapon on Monday. It is scheduled to arrive in Mumbai on 18 August, where it will be received with ceremonial honours, as reported by The Indian Express.
News of the sword’s availability surfaced on 28 April this year. Minister Shelar consulted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, after which the government began preparations to participate in the auction.
A group of Marathi-speaking residents in London gathered to witness the handover. Hemant Dalvi, Deputy Director of the Archaeology Department, accompanied the minister during the formalities.
The sword is an 18th-century Maratha Firangi. It has a straight, single-edged European blade with a gold-inlaid Mulheri hilt and near the hilt is the European manufacturer’s name, while the spine bears a gold-inlaid Devanagari inscription reading “Shreemant Raghoji Bhosale Senasahib Subha Firang,” confirming its connection to Raghuji Bhosale. The hilt’s gold koftgari work and the green cloth-wrapped rounded pommel add to its rarity as Maratha weapons of the period typically lacked elaborate ornamentation or inscriptions.
Raghuji Bhosale I, ruled from Nagpur between 1695 and 1755. He expanded Maratha influence into Bengal, Odisha, Chanda, Chhattisgarh, Sambalpur and parts of southern India. His military campaigns, included victories over the Nawabs of Bengal, Cuddapah and Kurnool. The Nagpur kingdom was also known for its rich deposits of iron and copper, used for weapons and trade.
While few historians believe that the sword left India in the early 19th century, as part of the war booty taken by the British East India Company after their victory over the Bhosales at the Battle of Sitabuldi in 1817, others say it was taken later as a diplomatic gift.
The sword will be escorted from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to PL Deshpande Kala Academy in Dadar by a ceremonial bike rally upon its arrival in Mumbai next week. A cultural programme titled Gad Garjana will be held the same day in the presence of state dignitaries.
Minister Shelar described the acquisition as an important moment for Maharashtra’s heritage and extended his thanks to the Chief Minister, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar for their support in securing the artefact.