Devout Hindus oppose the book-reading event near Shivaji Maharaj statue in Ishwarpur
Ishwarpur, District Sangli District, Maharashtra– A programme organised by progressive groups to read the controversial book ‘Shivaji Kon Hota?’ (Who was Shivaji?) written by Com. Govind Pansare was stopped by devout Hindu activists in Ishwarpur.
The event had been planned on 25 April in front of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Upon learning about it, a large number of devout Hindu activists gathered at the venue and strongly opposed the reading.
As tensions rose, the police intervened and mediated between the two groups. Eventually, the programme was called off.
During the protest, devout Hindus questioned why such a reading of what they described as incorrect history was being conducted in front of the statue of Shivaji Maharaj, and that it could disturb social and religious harmony.
Those present from the devout Hindu side included Shri. Avinash Jadhav and Shri. Shekhar Khandekar of Shri Shivpratishthan Hindustan, along with Shri. Pravin Parit, Shri. Amol Thanekar, Shri. Akshay Patil, Shri. Bablu Jadhav and others.
From the progressive groups, Com. Dhanaji Gurav, Sanjay Bansode, Prof. Shamrao Patil, Shakir Tamboli, Dr. Sudam Mane, Dr. Kashiling Gavde, Ajit Havaldar, Umesh Shevale and Prof. B.R. Jadhav were present.
