BJP leader's derogatory remark against Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj sparks anger

The Bharatiya Janata Party leadership in Maharashtra was left red-faced after the deputy mayor of Ahmednagar civic body was caught making derogatory comments about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, sparking a public uproar.

Members of the Shiv Sena, NCP, Sambhaji Brigade and other groups hit the streets after a clip of Shripad Chhindam, who represents the BJP in the city municipal corporation, allegedly uttering the unsavoury comments while talking to a civic staffer went viral.

The BJP, which had sought votes in the name of the warrior king during the state assembly elections, went into damage control by sacking him from the post and the party. Left with no support, Chhindam also apologised for his apparent misdemeanour.

However, the efforts were too late to soothe frayed tempers. Protesters attacked his as well as the party's office.

As he tried to flee, locals nabbed Chhindam on Solapur Road. He was then arrested and booked for hurting religious sentiments. Barring minor incidents, officers from the Ahmednagar police said, there were no major protests in the district on Saturday.

A local court remanded Chhindam in police custody for 14 days. By then the public anger had permeated down to those behind bars. Chhindam, who was taken to a sub-jail, was reportedly thrashed by the inmates there.

Rajya Sabha MP and Kolhapur royal family scion Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati demanded a stringent law to punish those who insult national icons. "Those who make derogatory comments against Shivaji Maharaj must not just be jailed but also thrown out of Maharashtra."

Former Sena MLA from Ahmednagar Anil Rathod, whose party is an alliance with the BJP in the Ahmednagar Municipal Corporation, said they have filed a police complaint against the deputy mayor.

Chhindam had shifted allegiance to the BJP from the Congress, NCP and the Sena.

BJP MP from Ahmednagar Dilip Gandhi said they condemned the remarks and announced Chhindam's dismissal from the party and the deputy mayor's post after the remarks came to the fore. "No one can tolerate this filthy language against Shivaji Maharaj."