Shivaji was not anti-Muslim, asserts Minister Lad

Taking exception to the narrative being built about Shivaji Maharaj being anti-Muslim, Labour Minister and district in-charge for Dharwad, Santosh Lad, has said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was never anti-Muslim, but opposed only those who acted in violation of the principles of their religion.

Launching the website of the Maratha Vidyaprasarak Mandal and after performing bhumi puja for the new administrative office and PU college building in Dharwad on Saturday, Mr. Lad pointed out that one of Shivaji Maharaj’s advisors was a Muslim.

“It is unfortunate that some people portray Shivaji Maharaj as being anti-Muslim, which is not true. It was a Muslim soldier named Rustum-e-Jamal from Shivaji’s army who had assisted him in killing Afzal Khan. He had given Shivaji the tiger claws (a weapon) for his protection, which are still preserved in the London Museum,” he said.

Calling on the youths to understand the current political situation, he urged them not to believe everything being circulated on social media platforms. Instead, you should study history to understand the truth and become part of building a strong society, he said.

Mr. Lad said that Shivaji Maharaj fought for the protection of all castes and religions, and he should not be confined only to the Maratha community.

Deputy Commissioner of Dharwad, Divya Prabhu, called on the students to develop a reading habit and cultivate good leadership qualities to contribute to the development of society.

Chairman of Da. Ra. Bendre National Memorial Trust’s Saraju Katkar suggested that Mandal set up a competitive exam training centre to provide coaching to poor, meritorious students from the community.

M.N. More presided over the event. Hubballi Dharwad Mayor Jyoti Patil, Deputy Mayor Santosh Chavan and others were present.