CR Patil's 'Shivaji a Patidar' Remark Ignites Maharashtra Row Ahead of Civic Polls

• Union Minister CR Patil claimed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj belonged to the Patidar community at a public event, praising their contributions.
• The remark sparked widespread controversy in Maharashtra, given Shivaji Maharaj's revered status as a Maratha ruler from the Bhonsle clan.
• Opposition parties like Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP condemned the statement, calling it an insult and a political move ahead of BMC elections.
• Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut termed it a "massive insult to Maharashtra and Marathi people," accusing BJP of trying to appropriate icons.
• BJP leaders, including State Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, distanced themselves from Patil's controversial statement.

Why It Matters: CR Patil's claim about Shivaji Maharaj's Patidar origin sparks political storm in Maharashtra.