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.”
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— 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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'Operation Sindoor' Bharat's response to brutal killing of innocent people in Pahalgam: Amit Shah
New Delhi (PTI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said the 'Operation Sindoor' is Bharat's response to the brutal killings of innocent people in Pahalgam.
Shah's remarks came after Indian armed forces carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base in Muridke. The strike was codenamed as 'Operation Sindoor'.
The home minister said the Modi government is resolved to give a befitting response to any attack on India and its people and Bharat remains firmly committed to eradicating terrorism from its roots.
"Proud of our armed forces. #OperationSindoor is Bharat’s response to the brutal killing of our innocent brothers in Pahalgam," he wrote on 'X'.
The Indian strike was carried out in response to the April 22 terrorists attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam where 26 people were killed.
