Sanjay Raut terms book comparing PM Modi with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as 'insulting'

Labelling the book drawing an analogy between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as ‘insulting’, senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Monday asked the King’s lineage to elucidate their stand over the matter.

Speaking to the press, Raut stated that the BJP should bring into open that it has no connection with the book contrasting PM Modi with Chhatrapati Shivaji.

The book named “Aaj ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi”, has been written by BJP leader Jay Bhagwan Goyal.

The Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress, which are part of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi government, have thrown brickbats at the book.

"A BJP leader has written the book titled 'Aaj Ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi', which we find insulting. The party should clarify whether it considers Prime Minister Narendra Modi as great as Shivaji Maharaj," Raut said.

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Without mentioning any names, the Sena leader attacked the king’s descendants—BJP’s Rajya Sabha member Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje and former Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale.

"Chhatrapati Shivaji's descendants should clarify if they like Modi being compared to him. They should quit the BJP over the book," the Sena leader said.

Sanjay Raut further mentioned that book’s author Jay Bhagwan Goyal was one with the Shiv Sena, but was withdrawn from the party after he allegedly criticized the Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi.

"BJP leaders are quite active when it comes to some issues such as (pertaining to Hindutva ideologue) V D Savarkar. I hope they will demonstrate similar efficiency in this case also. The BJP should declare that it has no link with the book," the Shiv Sena's Rajya Sabha member said.

The heirs of Warrior king from Satara and Kolhapur are associate with the BJP. They should speak out on the issue, he said.

Sambhaji Raje on Sunday called on BJP chief Amit Shah to instantly ban the book, which was published in the saffron party's Delhi office.

Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe filed a complaint with Nagpur Police against Goyal for allegedly hurting the sentiments of people by comparing Modi with Chhatrapati Shivaji in his book.

In his complaint, the Londhe sought action against Goyal, the publisher of the book.

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