A political controversy has intensified in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district over a book based on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who is revered across the state. The dispute revolves around the book “Shivaji Kon Hota?” written by late Communist leader Govind Pansare. Tensions escalated after Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLA Sanjay Gaikwad allegedly objected to certain portions of the publication and reportedly threatened publisher Prashant Ambi over a phone call. Ambi accused the legislator of using abusive language and issuing death threats during the conversation. Following the backlash, Sanjay Gaikwad later expressed regret over the incident. However, despite the apology, the controversy continued to grow and soon transformed into a larger political confrontation in Buldhana.
The issue has now moved from political debate to public agitation, with protest groups announcing a massive rally in Buldhana city to condemn the MLA’s alleged behaviour. Publisher Prashant Ambi, who reportedly received the threats, is also expected to participate in the march. Protesters have further challenged Sanjay Gaikwad by declaring that they will publicly read passages from the controversial book directly outside his residence. Responding to the announcement, Gaikwad adopted an aggressive tone and warned that Shivaji Maharaj’s followers would not tolerate any disrespectful references during the reading. “We will listen to the book peacefully. But if anyone uses insulting language and attempts to hurt the sentiments of Shiv devotees, then the organisers and those reading the book will be fully responsible for the consequences,” Sanjay Gaikwad stated while reacting to the planned protest demonstration.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also reacted to the growing controversy and described the dispute as unnecessary. Questioning whether those objecting to the book had actually read it, Fadnavis said the issue was being unnecessarily inflated decades after the book’s publication in 1979. He stressed that no one in the country could insult Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj because of the immense respect people hold for the Maratha king. The Chief Minister criticised both sides for turning the matter into a confrontation and said many protesters themselves may not fully understand why they are agitating. “Creating controversy only to remain in the spotlight is not the right approach,” Devendra Fadnavis remarked while appealing for restraint amid the escalating political tension.