Sat Mar 08 06:55:26 UTC 2025: ## BJP MP Demands Strict Law Against Insults to Maratha Icons
**Mumbai, March 8, 2025** – Udayanraje Bhosale, a BJP Member of Parliament and descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has called for a stringent new law to punish those who disrespect Maratha icons. His demand follows recent controversy sparked by Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi’s praise of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who executed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
Mr. Bhosale stated that anyone making disparaging remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Rajmata Jijau, Shahaji Chhatrapati Maharaj, or Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj should face legal consequences, referring to them as deities deserving of respect. Mr. Azmi’s comments, which lauded Aurangzeb’s reign, caused widespread outrage across Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, leading to his suspension from the Samajwadi Party until the end of the budget session. Both ruling and opposition parties condemned Mr. Azmi’s statements.
Mr. Bhosale urged both state and central governments to introduce the proposed legislation during the current budget session, emphasizing that the law should apply irrespective of political affiliation. He also advocated for the publication of a book detailing the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the establishment of an expert committee to review films before their release.
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