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BJP leader's book comparing Modi to Shivaji triggers outrage

Sanjay Raut demanded Shivaji's descendants should quit BJP over the book

A collage of Shivaji and Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Salil Bera)

Amid the row over a book comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Monday said the warrior king's descendants should clarify whether they like Modi being equated to him.

Talking to reporters in Mumbai, Raut said the BJP should declare that it has no link with the book comparing Modi with Chhatrapati Shivaji.

The book, titled Aaj ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi, has been written by BJP leader Jay Bhagwan Goyal.

The Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress—which are part of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi government—have criticised the book.

"Chhatrapati Shivaji's descendants should clarify whether they like Modi being compared to him. Chhatrapati Shivaji's descendants should quit BJP over the book," Raut said, targeting BJP's Rajya Sabha member Sambhaji Raje, who is a descendant of the warrior king.

Sambhaji Raje on Sunday demanded that BJP chief Amit Shah immediately ban the book, which was published in the BJP's Delhi office.

Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe on Sunday lodged a complaint with Nagpur Police against Goyal for allegedly hurting the sentiments of people by comparing Modi to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his book.