Pune: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's gesture of reverence towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during the "Saint Gratitude Ceremony" in Dehu-Alandi has garnered widespread admiration. The event, held in Pimpri-Chinchwad on Friday (January 3), highlighted the enduring respect for the Hindu King’s legacy.

At the ceremony, organized to honor saints and spiritual leaders, CM Fadnavis was felicitated with a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the royal headgear known as "Jiretop."

Prominent spiritual leaders Swami Govinddev Giri Maharaj, Baba Maharaj, and Bhaskargiri Maharaj requested Fadnavis to wear the Jiretop as a mark of respect. However, the Chief Minister humbly declined, stating that the honor of wearing the Jiretop belongs solely to Shivaji Maharaj.

CM Fadnavis later shared a video of the moment on social media, captioning it: "The honor of the Jiretop belongs to Shiv Chhatrapati alone! For the creation of a people's kingdom, this humble servant seeks only the blessings of the Maharaj." The incident, widely shared and appreciated online, stands as a symbolic acknowledgment of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's unparalleled legacy and significance.

Controversy Surrounding the Jiretop

The gesture has also reignited discussions around a previous controversy involving NCP MP Praful Patel. On May 15, 2024, Patel placed a Jiretop on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sparking criticism from Shiv Sena leaders and Shivaji Maharaj’s admirers, who viewed the act as disrespectful. Patel later clarified, reiterating his reverence for Shivaji Maharaj and vowing greater mindfulness in the future.