Dhirendra Shastri, the chief of Bageshwar Dham temple in Madhya Pradesh, issued an apology following backlash over his remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the revered 17th-century Maratha king. During a recent event organized by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Shastri recounted a story involving Shivaji and the saint Samarth Ramdas, suggesting Shivaji wanted to renounce his throne. This led to widespread protests across Maharashtra, with political figures from various parties condemning his statements as historically inaccurate and disrespectful. Leaders from the Congress party, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Maratha organizations demanded accountability, with some calling for a ban on Shastri's public events. Shastri responded by stating that his comments were misinterpreted and that he had no intention of offending anyone. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions regarding historical narratives in Maharashtra, particularly concerning figures like Shivaji, who is celebrated as a symbol of Hindu pride.