Addressing the poll-bound Maharashtra, Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent rally sparked a political, historical, and casteist debate in the state regarding Saint Ramdas and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Speaking in Shirala, Sangli district, Amit Shah said, “This is the land where the feet of Samarth Ramdas Maharaj touched,” and asserted that this Sant Ramdas united the youth in support in support of Shivaji Maharaj.
A few months ago, former Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari made a similar statement saying that Sant Ramdas was Shivaji Maharaj’s guru.
Backlash From MVA, Maratha Leaders
Amit Shah’s statement over Sant Ramdas received backlash from Maha Vikas Agadi including various Maratha leaders. Shambhajiraje Chhatrapati, the direct descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj also argued against the statement saying, “We do not challenge the importance of Samarth Maharaj. It is not right and acceptable to associate Samarth Ramdas with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Jijau Maasaheb was the only ideal and only Guru of Shivaji Maharaj.”
Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole has attacked Amit Shah over the row, saying that the BJP is trying to distort history by linking Shivaji Maharaj to Ramdas. He further said, “Shivaji Maharaj was a great leader, and no one can match him, therefore, BJP should stop comparing him to anyone. BJP shouldn’t insult our icons.”
What Is The Reality?
Historians often debate this particular topic, as many consider Sant Ramdas to be the guru of Shivaji Maharaj, while others deny the fact. It is believed that Samarth Ramdas was the guru Shivaji Maharaj, and advocated devotion, meditation, and military training.
While no one denies the importance of Jija Mata in Shivaji Maharaj’s journey, Sant Ramdas is believed a crucial role in the Hindu King’s life. After Shivaji Maharaj’s death, Sant Ramdas wrote a letter to Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Shivaji Maharaj, which is considered a milestone in history.
Current Political Divide
Going against popular belief, many political leaders try to distort that Shivaji Maharaj, a Maratha, could’ve had a Brahmin guru. This points to the deep instilled ‘Brahmin Hatred’ amongst such political parties including the Indian National Congress, and Nationalist Congress Party.
Often we see leaders like Devendra Fadnavis face hatred based on his Brahminical patronage. However, such political leaders should keep saints out of their political divide.