Minister Bhujbal Disputes RSS Chief on Shivaji Maharaj Samadhi

Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal challenged RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's claim that Lokmanya Tilak discovered the samadhi of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Bhujbal credited social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule for the discovery and starting Shiv Jayanti Utsav. Vijay Wadettiwar and Rohit Tilak supported Bhujbal's stance.

In a notable disagreement, Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal contested RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's assertion that Lokmanya Tilak discovered the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj samadhi. Bhujbal affirmed that the credit belongs to social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, who also initiated the Shiv Jayanti Utsav. The minister, aligned with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, voiced his views to reporters on Tuesday.

Bhujbal's comments came in response to Bhagwat's statement at a recent event in Pune, where he attributed the initiation of Shivaji Maharaj's birth anniversary celebrations at Raigad fort to Tilak. This sparked further debate, drawing support for Bhujbal's claim from Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra assembly Vijay Wadettiwar.

Wadettiwar referenced historical evidence supporting Phule's role in discovering the samadhi. Additionally, Rohit Tilak, great-grandson of the freedom fighter, clarified that while Phule discovered Shivaji Maharaj's samadhi, Lokmanya Tilak was instrumental in its renovation.