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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Nora Fatehi apologises before NCW over 'Sarke Chunar' row, vows support for orphan girls
New Delhi (PTI): Actor Nora Fatehi on Thursday appeared before the National Commission for Women in connection with a controversy surrounding the song 'Sarke Chunar' and apologised, saying there was "no intention to offend anybody."
Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Fatehi said she had been put in a situation unintentionally but acknowledged her responsibility as an artist.
"It was just a situation that I was put in, and there was no intention to offend anybody. But of course, I have to be responsible as an artiste. I definitely apologise, we have done everything in writing. They have been so kind and helpful," she said.
The actor also said she has decided to sponsor the education of a few orphan girls.
"It's really important for us to give back to society. So, I decided that we should sponsor a few orphan girls, their education, so that is the goal after this matter," she said.
Earlier, Fatehi distanced herself from the Hindi version of the song, saying she had shot the Kannada version and that her permission was not taken for its use in Hindi.
The Hindi version of the song, released on March 15 on YouTube, triggered outrage among a section of the public over its allegedly explicit lyrics.
Following the backlash, the makers removed the Hindi version from YouTube, though it continued to circulate across platforms. The lyricist, singer and director have also issued apologies.
'KD The Devil' is a Kannada film, dubbed in four languages, including Hindi.
