Uproar in Maharashtra over Shivaji Maharaj's 'jiretop' being placed on PM Modi's head

Ajit Pawar-faction led NCP leader Praful Patel on May 14 sparked a massive row after he placed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Jiretop on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's head.

Maratha organisations and the opposition termed it an insult to Chhatrapati Shivaji. As per social conventions, jiretop is handed over to someone and not placed directly on their heads, as a mark of respect to the Maratha emperor.

Sharad Pawar-faction led NCP party released a statement on X saying, "Jiretop is always offered in the hands and not kept directly on anybody’s head. But Ajit Pawar group’s leader Praful Patel kept it directly on Narendra Modi’s head which is an insult to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The ruling alliance (Mahayuti) has become so obligated that it is hellbent on destroying the image of Maharashtra. The proud people of Maharashtra will teach a befitting reply to the BJP which has insulted Maharashtra."

Express his outrage, Santosh Shinde, a senior member of Maratha outfit Sambhaji Brigade, said, “Jiretop was worn by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and not by his soldiers. Additionally, one has to follow a dresscode before wearing a jiretop. What message was being sent by making Modiji wear it instead of handing it over in his hand?”

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