BJP's CR Kesavan Attacks Congress Over Shivaji Statue Controversy

BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan criticized Congress and the Nehru-Gandhi family for their historical and recent disrespect towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, amidst the political fallout from the collapse of Shivaji's statue recently unveiled by PM Modi. Kesavan accuses Congress of having a 'double-faced mindset.'

In a heated political discourse, BJP's national spokesperson CR Kesavan launched a vehement critique against Congress, holding the party and the Nehru-Gandhi family responsible for a history of belittling Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Kesavan pointed fingers at former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for derogatory remarks in his book, 'Glimpses of World History.'

Highlighting the contrast in leadership, Kesavan mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's gesture of incorporating Shivaji's Raj Mudra into the new Indian Navy flag as a mark of respect. Kesavan argued that while Modi recognized Shivaji's legendary maritime prowess, Nehru had extolled figures like Afzal Khan, which profoundly misrepresented Shivaji.

Kesavan continued his indictment of Congress, recalling Nehru's controversial comments and resistance faced from the Maharashtrian public during the inauguration of a Shivaji statue in 1957. He also criticized Congress for allegedly damaging a Shivaji statue in Madhya Pradesh and termed Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks on the statue collapse as politically opportunistic.

(With inputs from agencies.)