Summary
A major controversy has broken out in Maharashtra following comments made by Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, a popular preacher known as Bageshwar Baba. During a public event, he made claims about the Maratha king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, that many people find offensive and historically incorrect. This has led to widespread protests, with many citizens and political leaders demanding his immediate arrest. The situation has created significant tension across the state as people move to protect the legacy of the revered king.
Main Impact
The main impact of these remarks is a massive wave of public anger and political unrest. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a deeply respected figure in Indian history, especially in Maharashtra. By suggesting that the king wanted to give up his power because he was tired, the preacher has upset millions of followers. This has resulted in legal complaints being filed and calls for a total ban on the preacher's events within the state. It has also put local political leaders in a difficult position, as some were present when the comments were made.
Key Details
What Happened
On Friday, April 24, 2026, Dhirendra Krishna Shastri spoke at a religious gathering in Nagpur. The event was held to mark the start of construction for the Bharat Durga temple. During his speech, Shastri told a story about Shivaji Maharaj. He claimed that the king had become exhausted by constant wars and decided to step down. According to Shastri, Shivaji went to his spiritual teacher, Samarth Ramdas, placed his crown at his feet, and asked the teacher to run the kingdom so the king could rest.
Important Numbers and Facts
The event took place at the National Cancer Institute campus and was attended by several high-profile figures. These included the head of the RSS, Mohan Bhagwat, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Following the speech, social media was flooded with videos of the remarks, leading to thousands of posts condemning the preacher. Historians have quickly pointed out that there is no record in any historical document of Shivaji Maharaj ever trying to give up his throne or his responsibilities in this manner.
Background and Context
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is famous for founding the Maratha Empire and fighting against powerful rulers to establish "Swarajya," or self-rule. To the people of Maharashtra, he is not just a king but a symbol of pride and courage. In recent years, there have been several instances where public figures have made comments that were seen as insulting to his legacy. For example, in 2022, a former governor called him an "icon of an old era," which also caused a huge outcry. Many people believe that these repeated comments are part of a plan to change how history is taught and remembered.
Public or Industry Reaction
The reaction has been swift and very negative. Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, a descendant of the king, strongly criticized the remarks. He stated that the king’s power came from his own bravery and the values taught by his mother, Jijabai, not from a desire to quit. Historian Indrajit Sawant called the story a complete fabrication and warned against spreading fake history.
Political leaders from the Congress party and the Sambhaji Brigade have also joined the protest. Leaders like Vijay Wadettiwar and Rohit Pawar called Shastri a "fraud" and said his words were an insult to the "Maharashtra Dharma." They argued that someone who does not know the true history of the state should not be allowed to speak about its heroes. Even Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis admitted there is no evidence for the story, though he tried to say the preacher’s intent might have been different.
What This Means Going Forward
In the coming days, the pressure on the police to take legal action against Shastri is likely to increase. Protest groups have warned that they will not allow him to hold any more events in Maharashtra until he offers a full apology. This situation also highlights a growing sensitivity toward how historical figures are portrayed in public speeches. It may lead to stricter rules or more careful monitoring of religious gatherings to prevent the spread of unverified historical claims that could disturb public peace.
Final Take
History is a sensitive subject because it forms the foundation of a community's identity. When public figures use their platform to share stories that lack factual proof, they risk causing deep social divisions. Respecting the true life and struggles of historical heroes like Shivaji Maharaj is essential for maintaining harmony. This incident serves as a reminder that those in positions of influence must be careful and accurate when speaking about the past.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bageshwar Baba?
Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, also known as Bageshwar Baba, is a 29-year-old religious preacher from Madhya Pradesh who has a large following across India.
What did he say about Shivaji Maharaj?
He claimed that Shivaji Maharaj was tired of fighting wars and tried to give his crown and kingdom to his spiritual teacher, Samarth Ramdas.
Is there any proof for his claims?
No, historians and even government leaders have stated that there is no historical evidence or record to support the idea that Shivaji Maharaj ever wanted to give up his kingdom.
