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Sanjay Gaikwad in fresh row over ‘threat’ to Shivaji Maharaj book publisher
Book by rationalist Govind Pansare was first published in 1988
In a viral audio clip, MLA Sanjay Gaikwad warned that he would "chop off his tongue" and that Ambi would “meet Pansare," referring to the latter's assassination. (File Photo)
Shiv Sena MLA from Buldhana Sanjay Gaikwad was accused of abusing and threatening a publisher over a book on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, with a purported audio clip of the exchange going viral on social media.
The row centres on Kolhapur-based publisher Prashant Ambi, who alleged that Gaikwad called him earlier this week and spoke for around nine minutes, objecting to the title of the book Shivaji Kon Hota? and using abusive language.
The book, written by CPI leader and rationalist Govind Pansare and first published in 1988, has long been in circulation and previously faced objections over its title.
Ambi alleged that the MLA threatened to “cut his tongue” and warned of physical assault, even invoking Pansare in a remark that has drawn sharp reactions. He said he repeatedly clarified that he was only the publisher and urged Gaikwad to read the book before forming an opinion.
“I kept telling him to read the book first and understand its context, but he was not interested,” Ambi said, adding that he plans to file a complaint at a police station in Kolhapur. Police officials said no complaint had been received at the time of filing this report.
Responding to the controversy, Gaikwad confirmed making the call but claimed the clip was “edited and distorted”. He maintained that the book distorts history and objected to what he described as a disrespectful reference to Shivaji Maharaj. “I have done nothing wrong… such people deserve to be abused,” he said, adding that he reacted after being provoked.
Reacting to the incident, Medha Pansare, daughter of the slain rationalist, said threats cannot counter ideas. “You cannot kill an idea. Read the book first, then comment,” she said, adding that legal options were being explored.
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The latest episode adds to a growing list of controversies surrounding the Buldhana MLA, a two-term legislator aligned with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde following the Shiv Sena split in 2022.
In July 2025 Gaikwad drew widespread criticism after a video showed him allegedly assaulting a canteen staffer at the MLA hostel in Mumbai over spoiled food. He expressed no regret and said he would repeat his actions if necessary, drawing censure from across the political spectrum.
In April 2025, he faced backlash for calling the Maharashtra Police “the most inefficient department in the world” and alleging irregularities in seized cash reporting. He later apologised.
In September 2024, he sparked outrage after announcing a Rs 11 lakh reward for anyone who would “chop off the tongue” of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. An FIR was registered in the case.
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Earlier Gaikwad had claimed he had hunted a tiger in 1987, leading to a case under wildlife laws, and was also seen in a video allegedly assaulting a group of men, which he defended as action against “unruly” individuals.
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