Uddhav, Pawar mount attack on governor for his remark on Shivaji

Former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday slammed governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari for “crossing his limits” through his recent remark on Chhatrapati Shivaji and sought his removal from the post.

While Thackeray threatened to lodge an agitation if the Centre did not recall the governor in the next few days, Pawar said “such people” should not be given crucial posts.

Koshyari on Saturday triggered a row after he said that Chhatrapati Shivaji was a “hero of the past era” and referred to BR Ambedkar and Union minister Nitin Gadkari as “present heroes”.

Also Read: Maharashtra Governor’s remarks on Shivaji sparks controversy

“I want to ask why people, who do not get admission even in old age homes, are being appointed as governors of states. Governors are representatives of the President of India. They are expected to be non-partial. Utterances of this governor must be taken seriously by the Centre,” Thackeray said.

“Earlier, Koshyari had insulted Marathi people in Mumbai and Thane. He also made insulting remarks on Savitribai Phule,” he added.

The former chief minister also requested “the central government to take back the Amazon parcel which they have sent in form of the governor”.

Also Read: Feeling the heat, BJP distances itself from Koshyari’s remarks on Shivaji

“We won’t sit quietly. In fact, an all-party action like Maharashtra bandh must be organised,” he said.

Pawar also criticised the governor for “crossing all limits”.“It was an irresponsible statement (by Koshyari) and he has crossed all limits... People would have forgiven him if he would have said such a thing for the first time... He is known for such irresponsible statements and creating confusion among people,” the NCP chief said.

“The President (Droupadi Murmu) and Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) should take a decision about him. It is wrong to keep this responsibility with such people,” he added.

Also Read: Amidst Shivaji controversy, Koshyari to make an unscheduled visit to Delhi

The post of governor represents an institution and in order to maintain the dignity of that post, we did not comment against Koshyari earlier, Pawar said.

The BJP accused the opposition of politicising the issue.

“Pawar was present in the function when the governor spoke and did not say anything then... A political colour is being given to this incident. Chhatrapati Shivaji is respected across the country,” deputy chief minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis said.