Shivaji Maharaj book row Sena MLA expresses regret over abusive remarks against publisher

Mumbai, Apr 25 (PTI) Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad has expressed regret about his abusive remarks against a publisher over a book on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, but maintained that the Maratha emperor should be addressed respectfully in the publication.
    Gaikwad came under fire after an audio clip went viral on social media, in which he was purportedly heard using offensive language and threatening Kolhapur-based publisher Prashant Ambi.
    He referred to the book titled 'Shivaji Kon Hota' (Who was Shivaji), written by CPI leader Govind Pansare and originally published in 1988.
    The Buldhana MLA, in a statement on Friday, said that he had raised the issue in the Vidhan Sabha that all institutions named after the Maratha emperor must be renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
    "I express regret over whatever objectionable remarks that I made against the publisher," he said.
    He claimed that there are instances in the book where Shivaji has been addressed "disrespectfully".
    "I don't have any objection to the book, but whoever has published it should address Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj respectfully," he said.
    Gaikwad had told reporters that the voice in the clip was indeed his, but it had been "edited and distorted".
    Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal on Friday alleged that the Sena legislator's remarks against Ambi show his "criminal mindset", and asked why the government failed to act against him so far.
    The publisher on Thursday alleged that Gaikwad issued death threats and hurled verbal abuse over a book on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, first published 38 years ago.
    According to Ambi, the MLA called him and objected to the book's title. The book's publisher claimed that during the call, Gaikwad threatened to "chop off his tongue", enter his home to assault him, and warned, "you will also meet Pansare."
    Pansare was shot dead during a morning walk in Kolhapur in 2015.
    Published by Lokvangmay Griha, it is a landmark, widely read Marathi book highlighting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a secular, people's king rather than just a Hindu ruler of the 17th century. The book has sold millions of copies and has seen over 75 editions.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)