Vital to examine who backed British during freedom struggle: Congress MP Shahu Chhatrapati on row over Sapkal’s comparison of Shivaji Maharaj & Tipu Sultan

Kolhapur: Congress MP and Kolhapur royal family head Shahu Chhatrapati on Thursday said Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan might have drawn inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's work and ideology in his fight against the British, but it was important to examine who supported the British during the freedom struggle."When we all were fighting against the British, who were the ones who helped the British is what needs to be studied," Shahu Chhatrapati said while speaking to reporters at the Shivaji Maharaj Memorial near Shahu Samadhi in the city during the ‘Shiv Jayanti' celebrations on Thursday. His statement came in response to questions about the recent controversy following state Congress chief Harshawardhan Sapkal's comparison of Shivaji Maharaj with Tipu Sultan.The Kolhapur royal family, representing the Chhatrapati Devasthan Charitable Trust, performed the customary Shiv Jayanti rituals at the city's only Shivaji Maharaj temple at Shahu Samadhi Sthal on Thursday morning. After completing the rituals with his grandson, Yuvraj Yashraje Chhatrapati, the Congress MP said, "Not only Kolhapur residents, but people across the state and the nation are celebrating the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. His ideology and thoughts are worshipped through this day. His work is a perfect example of what needs to be done for the betterment of the praja (people). Today's politicians should try to follow in the footsteps and ideology of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj."Across the region, the 396th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was celebrated with grandeur. Colourful processions were taken out in Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara, with residents crowding stalls selling saffron flags, Shiv mudra items, statues, pheta (turban) and saffron shawls. People dressed in traditional attire visited forts and paid tribute at Shivaji Maharaj's statues.At Shivaji University in Kolhapur, a vibrant procession was organised in the morning with participation from university officials, staff members and students. In the evening, Shivaji Tarun Mandal led a grand procession featuring an equestrian idol of Shivaji Maharaj, accompanied by horses, dhol troupes, autorickshaws and bullock carts displaying social messages. Thousands joined the procession in traditional dress, and children dressed as Shivaji Maharaj and Maharani Jijau drew much attention. The loud sound system used by the mandals, however, caused discomfort among several followers.The Kolhapur district administration organised the ‘Jay Shivaji, Jay Bharat' padayatra at Panhala Fort, which saw participation from over 3,000 people, including district collector Amol Yedge, superintendent of police Yogesh Kumar Gupta and MLA Vinay Kore. A blood donation camp was also held at the fort, where Yedge donated blood to promote a social message. In Satara district, various events took place at Pratapgad Fort, including a palanquin procession from Bhawani Mata Temple to the Shivaji Maharaj statue.A grand royal procession was also held in Satara in the evening from Rajwada Chowk, featuring the ‘Ujjain Mahakal' band and an Aghori dance troupe. In Karad, multiple groups organised rallies with enthusiastic participation from school students.