Bageshwar Baba in hot soup over remarks about Shivaji in Nagpur

A major controversy erupted in Maharashtra after spiritual leader Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, known as Bageshwar Baba, claimed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj grew "tired" from endless battles, removed his crown, and offered it to saint Samarth Ramdas to rule the kingdom. The remarks, made at a Nagpur event attended by top leaders, have drawn sharp opposition backlash and demands for the godman's arrest.

Shastri, speaking Friday before Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, also urged Hindu families to have four children, dedicating one to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The event, a religious gathering, quickly turned into a political flashpoint.

Opposition parties pounced, accusing Shastri of distorting history and slamming the ruling Mahayuti alliance for silence.

Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar called it a "disgrace," demanding Shastri's arrest for insulting the state's icon. "Shivaji Maharaj never tired of fighting for Swarajya. This narrative of surrendering to Ramdas is baseless," he said, questioning why Fadnavis and others stayed quiet.

Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant labeled the claim "historically inaccurate," while Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut linked it to a recent statue collapse in Malvan, alleging the government platforms "outsiders" to demean Shivaji. "Suggesting he handed over Swarajya is a historical sin," Raut fumed.

NCP (SP) legislator Rohit Pawar called for a statewide ban on Shastri, warning of public backlash. "The Shiv-loving people will decide whether to tolerate this," he said. Fellow NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad demanded an unconditional apology, citing 17th-century records showing no throne surrender.

Meanwhile, Fadnavis refuted the claims, stressing reliance on "documented history." "No evidence exists of such an incident. Folktales circulate, but authentic records matter," he told reporters. He framed Shastri's RSS advice positively: "The intent was to highlight the Sangh's role in preserving Hindu culture -- every family should contribute one son."