Sharad Pawar’s NCP latches on to discourse around Shivaji, embraces ‘Jai Shivray’ as greeting instead of ‘hello’
NCP (SP) leaders say the initiative is part of a broader effort to reclaim Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy, which they claim is being misrepresented by right-wing groups.
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NCP chief Sharad Pawar (Express photo)Amid the ongoing political discourse in Maharashtra over Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Mughal rulers, the Opposition Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) has introduced a new directive for its workers—replacing the conventional phone greeting “hello” with “Jai Shivray”, meaning “Hail Shivaji”.
Speaking at a party review meeting in Sangli, senior MLC and former minister Shashikant Shinde informed workers about the decision. “As per the directive of our state party president, the first word when greeting anyone over the phone should be ‘Jai Shivray’,” said Shinde. NCP (SP) state president Jayant Patil was also present at the event.
Shinde further emphasised the party’s commitment to Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy, stating, “People are trying to take Shivaji Maharaj away from us. But we are the true followers of his ideology. I urge everyone—including our sisters and mothers—to use ‘Jai Shivray’ as a greeting, starting from Sangli and spreading across Vidarbha.”
On Sunday, Jayant Patil reinforced the message by posting “Jai Shivray” on social media platform X.
According to party insiders, the move is part of a broader effort to reclaim Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy, which they allege is being misrepresented by right-wing forces. “Recent comments by BJP leaders, including ministers, are distorting Maharaj’s history. We cannot let this happen. By adopting ‘Jai Shivray,’ we reaffirm our commitment to his true ideology,” said a senior NCP (SP) leader.
This development comes amid heightened political tensions in the state. Last week, Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane controversially claimed that Muslims were never part of Shivaji Maharaj’s army, drawing criticism from Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who called the statement misleading and warned against communal divisions.
Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Abu Azmi was suspended from the Maharashtra legislative assembly until the end of the ongoing budget session on March 26 for his remarks praising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Also, Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare recently organised a special screening of the Hindi film Chhava, based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, for legislators.
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