Sanjay Raut says 'matter should be put to rest' after BJP withdraws controversial book

Amid controversy over book 'Aaj ke Shivaji', Shiv Sena Sanjay Raut on Tuesday reacted to withdrawal of book. matter stoked controversy after BJP leader Jai Bhagwan Goyal published a book titled "Aaj ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi" comparing legendary king with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking to media, Raut said, "BJP has withdrawn book and apologised for it, so I think matter should be put to rest. This had to happen as people came on roads to oppose book. This was t a political matter for us, this was a matter of hour and pride of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Maharashtra." 

READ | NCP, Shiv Sena React On Withdrawal Of Book Comparing PM Modi With Maratha King Shivaji

Sena slams BJP

Shiv Sena in its mouthpiece 'Saamana' on Tuesday attacked BJP by saying that book is a prime example of "exaggeration and flattery". Even though BJP has distanced itself from book written by party leader Jai Bhagwan Goyal, Sena questioned its former ally why did y allow launch in party office in Delhi. 

Pointing out that many BJP leaders were present at book launch, editorial piece stated that Maharashtra leaders from party should speak about book. "Eleven crore people of Maharashtra did t like this at all and y are voicing ir opinions. descendants of Shivaji Maharaj, who are BJP leaders, are also hurt by book and y have spoken against it. BJP leaders from state should also speak against it w." editorial also clarified that anguish is t against Prime Minister. "This is t against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi does t even kw about it. It is done by someone from BJP in Delhi office."

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Earlier on Monday, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar distanced BJP from controversial book on Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj and said that warrior-king was one of greatest in mankind and remains incomparable till date.

"Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was t only a great warrior but a statesman of very unique quality. refore, people world over regard Shivaji Maharaj as one of greatest in mankind. refore, we always say that he is incomparable. Jai Bhagwan Goyal wrote a book comparing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which has thing to do with BJP. We never knew what he was writing or has published. However, as soon as it was published. We raised objection and he (Goyal) today came to office and apologised to people of India, world and especially people of Maharashtra," Javadekar said. Javadekar said that Goyal has also withdrawn book.

Leaders of Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Shiv Sena had criticised book and termed it an 'insult' to ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji.

READ | Shiv Sena Concedes 'respect For Modi' While Shivaji Comparison; Invokes Chhatrapati Statue

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(with ANI inputs)

(im: PTI )