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Solapurkar expressed regret for offending Shivaji Maharaj’s supporters, known as Shivpremis, after using the term ‘bribe’ to describe the king’s escape
BJP MP Udayanraje Bhosale condemned Marathi actor Rahul Solapurkar’s remarks, stating that such individuals should be “shot” or “stoned to death.”
Marathi actor Rahul Solapurkar on Wednesday sparked controversy by claiming that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj escaped from Agra by “bribing” Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s chieftains, drawing strong backlash, especially from BJP MP Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of the Maratha king.
Bhosale condemned Solapurkar’s remarks, stating that such individuals should be “shot” or “stoned to death.” Another BJP MLA, Suresh Dhas, called for the actor to be physically confronted by the public.
In a video message, Solapurkar expressed regret for offending Shivaji Maharaj’s supporters, known as Shivpremis, after using the term ‘bribe’ to describe the king’s escape. He clarified that his intention was never to insult the legendary warrior.
Bhosale, however, demanded that Solapurkar be tried for treason, questioning the actor’s right to make derogatory remarks about the 17th century Maratha warrior. “I feel such people should be shot wherever they are found or stoned to death,” he stated.
The BJP MP also announced plans to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to seek action against Solapurkar.
Solapurkar had earlier claimed in an interview that Shivaji Maharaj did not escape Agra in a “sweet box” as often told in history, but rather bribed the chieftains and even Aurangzeb’s wife to secure his freedom.
In response to the growing protests, members of the Akhand Maratha Samaj gathered at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute in Pune, where Solapurkar is a trustee. They demanded his removal from the position, and in an act of protest, garlanded his poster with footwear.
Pune Police have heightened security outside Solapurkar’s residence in Kothrud in the wake of the ongoing backlash.
(With inputs from PTI)