BJP MP slams Riteish Deshmukh for photos near Shivaji statue
What's the story
Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh came under fire from BJP MP Sambhaji Chhatrapati for clicking photos near the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the Raigad fort near Mumbai. The BJP MP, a descendant of the Maratha king, tweeted the act was condemnable. Earlier today, the actor had tweeted that he visited Raigad fort, the capital of the erstwhile Maratha empire, this morning.
Quote
'There will be norms to curb such practices'
"Some celebrities have clicked their photos while sitting on the plinth of the throne of (Shivaji) Maharaj with their back towards him. It is condemnable," Chhatrapati tweeted. There will be norms in place to curb such practices, he said.
Apology
Ritiesh apologizes, says got swayed away
Ritiesh later apologized after receiving flak on social media. Riteish said he had visited the Raigad fort to seek inspiration from a great personality like Shivaji Maharaj and like other followers, he too got swayed by the atmosphere there. "I had bowed before him (Shivaji) and garlanded his statue. I had wanted to sit at his feet from many years now," he said.
Twitter Post
Riteish's controversial tweet
Visited Raigad Fort this morning, the capital of Maratha Empire. It’s an unimaginable high to feel the presence of one of the greatest warriors born in India Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Nothing is more invigorating than bowing down and seeking his blessings. pic.twitter.com/MLAZ9MD8VF
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) July 5, 2018