Aaditya Thackeray Reacts to Viral Video of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Portrait On Hotel's Washroom Door

A controversy erupted after a video allegedly showing portraits of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Maharani Padmini being displayed as gender indicators outside washrooms at a private banquet hall in Faridabad, Haryana, went viral. The visuals sparked outrage on social media, with several users expressing strong objections over the alleged misuse of the revered historical figures’ images. Reacting to the incident, Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray said that he hopes the Bharatiya Janata Party will take some action against the resort. The footage, which rapidly circulated across various social media platforms, features a man claiming off-camera that the video was shot at Milan Banquet Hall located in Sikri village of Faridabad. The authenticity of the video and the claims made in it are yet to be officially verified.

Aaditya Thackeray said, "This is very unfortunate, and I hope the BJP's bulldozer will go there and completely demolish that entire resort."

#WATCH | Mumbai | On a viral video allegedly showing portraits of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Maharani Padmini being used as gender signboards outside washrooms, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray says, "This is very unfortunate, and I hope the BJP's bulldozer will go… pic.twitter.com/nqkISC3YKI

— ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2026

Some social media accounts claimed that the banquet hall was linked to a legislator from Haryana’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, reported India Today.  As the controversy intensified, Tiparchand — the owner of the banquet hall and brother of a BJP MLA — refuted claims that the location shown in the viral video was his property. While speaking with India Today, he alleged that false narratives were being spread to malign his reputation. According to him, certain individuals angered by the demolition of unauthorized banquet halls in the locality were deliberately linking his name to the issue. Tiparchand further stated that images he shared clearly demonstrated differences in the interior design, wall paint, and décor compared to what was visible in the viral clip. He also indicated that he is contemplating legal action against those allegedly responsible for circulating the footage.

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According to the information received, a programme was organized at Milan Banquet Hall in the Sikri area. During the event, people present at the venue noticed the issue. They saw that portraits of historical figures had been placed on the washroom signboards. A video of the same has since gone viral on social media. Several users online have demanded action against the banquet hall.

This is absolutely unacceptable. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a revered figure for us, his image cannot be misused this way. I urge the Haryana Government to immediately get this image removed.

Why do BJP governments repeatedly allow insults to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's… pic.twitter.com/XEO8BNgBaP

— Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad (@VarshaEGaikwad) February 23, 2026

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is regarded as the founder of Swarajya and a symbol of bravery, justice, and national pride, while Maharani Padmini is associated with sacrifice, self-respect, and valour. Many believe that using photographs of such revered personalities in inappropriate places is not only insensitive but also an insult to cultural heritage. Consequently, there have been growing calls for strict action.