Controversy Erupts Over Historical Dog Statue at Raigad Fort

Hindutva leader Sambhaji Bhide refutes the claims by ex-MP Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati regarding the historical basis of a dog belonging to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Bhide defends the presence of the canine statue on Raigad fort, citing an anecdote of the dog jumping into Shivaji's funeral pyre.

Hindutva leader Sambhaji Bhide on Wednesday challenged the remarks made by former Member of Parliament, Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, surrounding the historical authenticity of a dog said to have been associated with the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Bhide firmly defended the statue of the canine located at Raigad Fort.

Disagreements have surfaced, with Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, descendant of the royal family of Kolhapur, calling on Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, to remove the statue. Bhide counters this by referring to an anecdote in which the dog, named Waghya, leapt into Shivaji Maharaj's funeral pyre.

Amidst the contention, Bhide also took a stance on issues of democracy and governance, criticizing recent provocations in the state legislature and reflecting on past political actions in Mumbai, likening certain events to those seen in dance bars.

(With inputs from agencies.)