Thane, Apr 29: The Congress on Wednesday staged a protest against spiritual preacher Dhirendra Shastri and demanded that a case be registered against him for his “objectionable remarks” about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The party also demanded that the entry of the Bageshwar Dham head priest be banned in Maharashtra.
Those who insult Shivaji Maharaj have no place in Maharashtra, the party said, adding that the demonstration was led by Thane district president Vikrant Chavan.
“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a symbol of our identity. We will not tolerate individuals like Bageshwar Dham baba, who make derogatory statements about him. A thorough investigation must be conducted to find out whose blessings are behind this,” Chavan said and warned of intensifying demonstrations if strict action is not taken against Shastri.
Amid backlash, Shastri on Sunday apologised for his remarks on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which he claimed were twisted by some people on social media.
A row erupted after Shastri claimed at a programme in Nagpur that Shivaji Maharaj had expressed his desire to renounce his responsibilities because he was tired of warfare, and approached his “guru” Samarth Ramdas with his crown. (PTI)
