Shiv Sena lends support to government's decision to honour Babasaheb Purandare

MUMBAI: Slamming critics opposing the government's decision to confer Maharashtra's highest award on Babasaheb Purandare, Shiv Sena today heaped praises on the historian crediting him for instilling ideals of Shivaji Maharaj among people.

Sena said by honouring Purandare, who known for his exhaustive writings on the Maratha warrior, Maharashtra government is in reality honouring the deeds of Shivaji.

"In today's time where people are selfish and hypocritical, it is very difficult to find a person who would submit his entire life for one cause and then inspires others to take lessons from it.

"Shivaji Maharaj has been used time and again in politics but one person who truly understood the ideals of Shivaji and instilled them in people all his life is Purandare," Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece ' Saamana'.

The government's recent decision to honour Purandare has sparked controversy in the state's political circle after NCP chief Sharad Pawar questioned the move contesting that Purandare is not a 'historian'.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray, an ardent admirer of Purandare, has voiced in support of the decision.

Sena said Purandare has done so much work as far as Shivaji is concerned that those opposing him today should infact be eternally thankful to him.

"Babasaheb gave more than 60 years for ensuring that Maharashtra's goes by Shivaji's ideals, but there are rotten mangoes everywhere. This is nature's rule. Those opposing Purandare are cheap and hypocrites and have no concern with Shivaji," the Sena said

"Purandare is Maharaj's man. He is working diligently working for this cause even after crossing 90 years of age and thus, by honouring him, the government is actually honouring the deeds of Shivaji," it said.

Detractors of Purandare allege that he distorted history and tarnished Chhatrapati Shivaji's image by casting aspersions on his biological parentage in the context of the role played by his guru Dadaji Konddev.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao will give away the prestigious award to Purandare at a function in Raj Bhawan today.