Kolhapur: NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar announced on Friday that progressive activists and political parties affiliated with the INDIA bloc will hold a protest rally and a public reading of a book authored by Govind Pansare on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The event is scheduled for April 28 in Buldhana, the hometown of Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad.
Background of the Controversy
Gaikwad had earlier allegedly threatened the publisher, Prashant Ambi of Kolhapur, for using only the first name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as the title of the book, which was published in 1988. Pawar visited the Rajarampuri police station on Friday and demanded that an FIR be registered against Gaikwad. According to Pawar, Gaikwad not only threatened Ambi but also used expletives against his mother and wife, while making objectionable remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during a 10-minute midnight call to the publisher.
Apology from Gaikwad
In a video statement released on Friday, the Sena MLA tendered an apology to Ambi and his mother and wife for using foul language. Gaikwad stated, "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is god to crores of Indians. I have demanded that the names of institutions bearing only his first name be changed to include the complete name Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In this book, the first name appears 500-700 times. I apologize for the expletives I used that night against Ambi's mother and wife. Those who wish to come to Buldhana are welcome, but they must ensure they say Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj — the full name."
Pawar's Response
Pawar responded, "Gaikwad may have apologized, but legal action should be taken for the crime he has committed. We sat in the police station for over an hour, and there is now pressure to register an FIR against the Sena MLA. He may have tendered the apology sensing that an FIR would be lodged. Additionally, we plan to read the book in Buldhana and hold a protest rally on April 28."
Pawar further stated that the police were informed about Gaikwad's background and the seriousness of the alleged crime was explained to them. The police assured that an FIR would be registered based on the complaint filed by Ambi. "We hope it is filed by midnight. The police should not shield the MLA and must take strict action. They must demonstrate how much they honor our sisters and our idols," he added.
Police inspector Satish Hodgar said that the process of registering the FIR would be carried out as per the complaint application. However, no FIR had been registered at the time of going to press.
