PROBLEMATISING DHARMAVEER?

GREATNESS OF CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJI MAHARAJ CANNOT BE MALIGNED. HE FOUGHT FOR THE PROTECTION OF DHARMA TILL HIS DEATH. WHEN AURANGZEB FORCED CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJI TO ACCEPT ISLAM OR FACE DEATH, HE REJECTED HIS THREAT BLATANTLY AND CHOSE DEATH OVER CONVERSION

- DEVIDAS DESHPANDE

"Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was a Swarajya Rakshak (protector of own kingdom) and not a Dharmveer (warrior of faith). He never championed the cause of faith," was the allegation cursed by former Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, present Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and the Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar in the legislature's session on the champion of defender of Hindu religion Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Since the sledging made in the House enjoins a special immunity to the member, he cannot be prosecuted legally for this blasphemous abuses. Nonetheless, that didn't stop the admirers of valorous valiant warrior and second Chhatrapati of the Hindavi Swarajya, Sambhaji Maharaj from expressing their anguish, resentment and bewilderment. The statement attracted ire from all quarters, surprisingly even from Ajit Pawar's uncle and NCP supremo Sharad Pawar as the latter had emerged as a hardcore Hindu-hater in the recent times.