BJP MP Pradeep Purohit from Odisha has made a controversial statement comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which has sparked an uproar. He claimed that Narendra Modi was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his previous birth. Following the remark, the Deputy Chairman ordered that his statement be expunged from the proceedings of the House.
"A saint named Girija Baba told me that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his previous birth. That is why he is working towards nation-building," Purohit said.
His statement has drawn sharp criticism, especially from the opposition. Congress MP Varsha Eknath Gaikwad shared a video of Purohit’s remarks on social media, accusing the BJP of deliberately insulting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
“A well-planned conspiracy is being carried out by the BJP leadership to repeatedly insult Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and hurt the sentiments of Shiv lovers in Maharashtra and across the world. They have already disrespected him by placing his honorary cap on Narendra Modi's head. Now, listen to this disgusting statement by a BJP MP,” Gaikwad said.
Gaikwad further demanded an apology from Narendra Modi and called for Purohit’s suspension. At a time when debates about Mughal emperor Aurangzeb are intensifying across the country, discussions around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha Empire have also gained momentum, with sharp criticism of the Mughal rule.