Maharashtra: BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi Over 'Shradhanjali' Post On Shivaji's Birth Anniversary; Congress Hits Back

In a fresh political war of words, the BJP on Wednesday slammed Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his choice of words. The BJP claimed that the Congress leader disrespected Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by offering him "shradhanjali" (homage) on his birth anniversary instead of the customary "adaranjali" (respectful tribute)

The whole controversy stemmed from Rahul Gandhi's post on X which, when translated to English, reads, "On the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, I pay my respectful obeisance (shradhanjali) to him and offer my humble tribute. With his courage and bravery he inspired us to raise our voice with fearlessness and full dedication. His life will always be a source of inspiration for all of us."

Criticizing the Congress MP's choice of words, BJP MLA from Mumbai, Atul Bhatkhalkar stated that the word "shradhanjali" is inappropriate for such occasions. The BJP MLA also accused Gandhi of intentional or unintentional slight to Maharashtra's pride and demanded that he immediately retract his post on social media platform X, or face legal consequences.

"Rahul Gandhi has once again insulted Maharashtra's pride. Using 'shradhanjali' instead of 'adaranjali' is not just a mistake. Rahul Gandhi either intentionally or unintentionally keeps expressing his disregard for iconic figures from Maharashtra. It is a serious matter," Mr Bhatkhalkar said, as per a report by NDTV.

Moreover, the Maharashtra BJP unit also accused Congress of misusing Shivaji Maharaj's name for political gain. "Hindus will never forgive Congress for this," the BJP's post read.

"Rahul Gandhi has demonstrated his perversity deliberately on the birth anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj. Congress is once again exposed as it uses Shivaji Maharaj for its political benefits," the BJP stated.

Hitting back to BJP's criticisms, Congress state spokesperson Atul Londhe cited PM Narendra Modi who in the past used "shradhanjali" in his message on Shiv Jayanti. "If the BJP believes using 'shradhanjali' is an insult, will they demand an apology from Modi as well?" Mr Londhe asked.

"They talk about honouring Shivaji Maharaj, but what happened to the statue in Malvan (Sindhudurg district) Modi had inaugurated? It collapsed. What happened to the grand memorial in the Arabian Sea for which Modi performed 'jalpujan'? Not a single brick has been laid," Mr Londhe alleged, as per the NDTV report.