Decoding the controversy over awarding Maharashtra Bhushan to Babasaheb Purandare

The Maharashtra government decision to honour octogenarian historian Babasaheb Purandare with the prestigious 'Maharashtra Bhushan award' has created a political storm in the state. The decision led to sections of the Maratha community and former NCP minister Jitendra Awhad protesting against the move, asking the government to withdraw the award.

However, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has slammed political parties for indulging in dirty politics and opposing the government's decision. NCP Lok Sabha member from Satara, Udayanraje Bhosle, who is a direct descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has said the Maharashtra government should put off the award function due to the controversy surrounding Purandare. 

The award ceremony is slated to be held on Wednesday (today) at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai.

Here is all you need to know about the controversy:

Who is Babasaheb Purandare?

Babasaheb Purandare is a well-known writer and theatre personality from Maharashtra, known for his ballads and writing on Maratha warrior Shivaji. He is well known for his popular play on Shivaji, Jaanta Raja. He is also known for his significant contribution to the Shiv Sena, along with Bal Thackeray, in the early 70s.

What is the Maharashtra Bhushan award?

Maharashtra Bhushan is the highest and prestigious award presented annually by the Maharashtra state government since 1996 for significant contribution in various fields.

It was initially conferred in the fields of literature, science, arts and sports. Later, other fields such as social work, health services, journalism and public administration were included.
The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh, a memento and citation.

The winners are selected by a committee appointed by the state government. 

Why is there opposition to giving Purandare the award?

Leaders of both the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress are opposing the government's decision to award Babasaheb Purandare the Maharashtra Bhushan Award saying his portrayal of Shivaji is not based on facts and has presented a distorted picture, maligning the image of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Jijabai and Shahaji Raje.

Some leaders also alleged that Purandare had 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. Some leaders are also accusing him of  writing history through a Brahaminical prism.

NCP leader Jitendra Awhad along with a delegation, met Governor Vidhyasagar Rao and demanded that the state government cancel the decision. Awhad has been at the forefront of criticism of Purandhare's work. 

Also read: Devendra Fadnavis, not Babasaheb Purandare, the real issue: Raj Thackeray

NCP Chief Sharad Pawar said that he has read Purandare's work and respected his age, but did not agree with his derogatory writing. Pawar has also supported party leader saying Awhad has been doing nothing wrong by opposing the state decision.

What did retired Supreme Court judge P B Sawant  say?

Former Press Council of India chairman and retired Supreme Court judge PB Sawant  has opposed the decision to bestow its highest award on Purandare. Sawant says that the award is given on behalf of the people of Maharashtra and the person who insults Chhatrapati Shivaji and Jijau (mother of the Maratha warrior king) should not be given any award. Sawant believes that, therefore, if they are opposed to giving it to a person, the government should respect their opinion.

Jnanpith award-winning  author Bhalchandra Nemade​ slams decision

Opposing the decison, Jnanpith award-winning Marathi author Bhalchandra Nemade has accused Purandare of making derogatory references about Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji. Nemade feels that the portrayal of Shivaji in Purandare's work is not in keeping with history. Nemade, who is known for his outspoken comments on various issues, also signed a letter sent to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urging him to withdraw the award.

Raj Thackeray supports Purandare, slams Pawar for indulging in dirty politics

Slamming NCP chief Sharad Pawar, MNS chief Raj Thackeray accused Pawar of indulging in 'dirty politics' over the issue. He is of the opinion that Babasaheb Purandare is being used as an excuse. He is doing so because a brahmin (Devendra Fadnavis) has now become chief minister of Maharashtra. Thackeray said that Pawar had felicitated Purandare on a few occasions. He also said that he did not think then that what Purandare had written was not right. Thackeray said that if anyone touches Purandare, he will create 'tandav' (havoc) in Maharashtra.

Pune residents file PIL

A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Bombay High Court by two Pune residents Padmakar Kamble and Rahul Pokale, through their advocate Shekhar Jagtap. The petitioners have claimed that the government has not given proper thought while deciding the granting of state's highest honour. 

Petition also says that Purandare does not have any research, as per a clause, which is required to be felicitated and the book written by him is more of fiction than giving a true picture of Shivaji.

Sambhaji Brigade vandalise minister's office attacked

Suspected members of hardline Maratha group Sambhaji Brigade vandalised Maharashtra minister Ram Shinde's office in Ahmednagar district to protest the state government's decision.

The protesters, numbering over 12, pelted stones and damaged furniture and windows of Shinde's newly built office in Ahmednagar, about 250 km from Mumbai. Sambhaji Brigade, in the past, has accused Purandare of "distorting" history and "defaming" the 17th century warrior king.