Babasaheb Purandare agrees for talks with his baiters

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At a heavily-guarded Raj Bhavan campus, the Devendra Fadnavis government last week presented the award to Purandare. The Chief Minister as well as Cultural Affairs Minister Vinod Tawde, without naming any  organisation, criticised them saying “these people have not understood Chhatrapati Shivaji”.

Countering the charge, the Sambhaji Brigade said there were at least 17 paragraphs which were “utterly defamatory” to the Marathi warrior in Purandare’s book and shows the understanding level of the state government vis-a-vis Shivaji who is revered by a cross-section of the society. “This twisted history will pass on from one generation to another. If it is not set right here and now, a wrong picture of Chhatrapati Shivaji will be implanted in the minds of the future generations,” said Prashant Dhumal, the student wing leader of the organisation.

Among their biggest objections, said Shinde, was the projection of the Shivaji as a Hindu leader. “He was not a Hindu leader. He was people’s king… he had major representation of Muslims in his army. He was respected by people from all religions and castes. Therefore, to say he was a Hindu leader amounts to a narrow-minded view of Shivaji who was liberal-minded and a management guru.”

The organisation said Purandare had always fought shy of discussing the “objectionable writings” in his book. “We want a face-to-face dialogue. Let him come forward and say what he has written is factual,” Shinde said, adding that Sambhaji Brigade “believes in democratic principles of a holding a debate and not violent means.”

When contacted by The Indian Express at his residence at Purandarewada in Parvati area, Purandare said, “I have no problem if anybody comes to me for discussion over a cup of chai… All are welcome to my place. I have no bitterness against anybody, including the protestors. I never had any bitterness.” Purandare said he would meet the protestors after some time as needed time for himself. “After some days, yes, I will meet them for discussion,” he said.

The Sambhaji Brigade also said it would not press for a ban on the book if the objectionable paragraphs were removed. “Purandare’s earlier books should be seized by the government and the new edition should omit all the defamatory paras. We don’t have objections to the book per se. Our objections are only against at least 17 paras in the books,” said Shinde.

The honour for Purandare had divided the political spectrum of Maharashtra.

While the Shiv Sena, MNS and BJP stood solidly behind Purandare, the NCP, especially its leader Jeetendra Awhad, has strongly opposed honouring Purandare.