NEW DELHI: Come Maharashtra assembly election and BJP has gone all out to invoke warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in an unprecedented manner. While BJPs aim is to garner votes, its move is likely to leave its alliance partner Shiv Sena, which draws its name and ideology from the Maratha king, uncomfortable.
Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, who is also the Union home minister, are invoking Shivaji in all their election rallies in Maharashtra. Their poll meetings are replete with symbolism linked to the Maratha warrior king.
While addressing an election rally in Panvel in Raigad district of Maharashtra on On October 16, Modi said he was visiting the capital of Shivaji Maharaj's Hindvi Swaraj. “Coming here again means bowing head at the place of inspiration and drawing new inspiration and energy from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. What more fortunate thing than this can there be in life?” he said.
The prime minister said Chhatrapati Shivaji's life and ideals are continuously inspiring the BJP and showing them the path of good governance. “Protection of the motherland and public welfare are the biggest responsibilities of any government. The BJP-led NDA governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra in the last five years have drawn inspiration from Shivaji and tried to carry out their responsibilities in accordance with his ideals,” he said.
A photograph of Narendra Modi seen with a bust of Shivaji in the Raigad rally, which went viral, was also shared by BJPs in-charge of information and technology Amit Malviya with the caption “Iconic picture!”.
Not just Narendra Modi but also Amit Shah has been relying heavily on Shivaji. In almost all his election rallies in Maharashtra, he invariably invokes him.
Whether or not Amit Shah shouts his customary slogans of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram”, he surely shouts slogans such as “Jai Shivaji” and “Jai Bhavani”, both associated with the warrior king.
The choice of places being visited by both Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are also strategic. On October 10, the BJP president addressed a rally at Tuljapur, where 12th century Tulja Bhavani temple is situated.
Bhavani was Shivajis protective patron deity (Kul Devi), He had dedicated his sword, Bhavani Talwar, in her veneration. Shivaji's mother Jijabai was considered to be a devotee of Bhavani.
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