Why CR Patil's ‘Shivaji Maharaj a Patidar’ remark sparked row ahead of Maharasthra civic polls

Union Minister CR Patil made the remarks at a public event while praising the Patidar community.

• CR Patil's claim Shivaji Maharaj was Patidar stirs controversy in Maharashtra
• Opposition and BJP leaders reject Patil's statement, citing Shivaji's Maratha heritage.
• Patil's remarks seen as politically motivated ahead of BMC elections

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Union Minister and senior BJP leader CR Patil’s claim that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj belonged to the Patidar community has sparked a controversy in Maharashtra.

The minister made the remarks at a public event while praising the Patidar community.

“If anyone deserves the credit for bringing the entire country together, it is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He was a Patidar. If there is anyone who ensures that no one stays hungry in such a prestigious community or village, it is the Patidar community; that is what it means to be a Patidar. I am happy to say that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was also a Patidar," the Union minister said.

Who are Patidars?

‘Patidar’ means one who owns a strip of land. They are spread all over Gujarat, with a higher concentration in North Gujarat and Saurashtra.

Patidars are categorised under various sub-castes. Leuva and Kadva are the most dominant sub-castes, who claim their ancestry to the sons of Lord Ram: Luv and Kush.

There are also Anjana, Satpanthi and Chaudhary Patels. Of these, Satpanthi Patels practice Muslim rituals and follow a Pir.

Patidars in Maharashtra are a small but influential migrant-origin community, concentrated in select districts. Their role is most visible in local politics and urban civic bodies, not statewide caste mobilisation.

In Maharashtra, Patidars are often counted under broader categories such as Gujarati, other forward castes, or general category in official records.

Why calling Shivaji a Patidar sparked a row

Born at the Shivneri fort, (64 km) north of Pune, on 19 February 1630, Shivaji was the second son of Shahaji Bhonsle. Since Shivaji Maharaj is revered as a Maratha ruler from the Bhonsle clan, Patil’s comment drew sharp reactions.

Opposition parties felt that it was a calculated comment ahead of the BMC elections. It has been observed that the role of Patidars has been prominent in local politics and urban civic bodies.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut termed the statement an insult to the state and the Marathi community. “This is a massive insult to Maharashtra and the Marathi people. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is the deity of Maharashtra. The Bharatiya Janata Party has earlier tried to claim the legacy of many great icons and failed. Now they are trying to take Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to Gujarat,” Raut said.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president and Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, an ally of BJP, also rejected Patil’s claim

“Everyone knows about Shivaji Maharaj and his genealogy. I have not heard what CR Patil said, but I am very much aware of Maharaj, his relation with the Bhonsle dynasty and the princely state of Satara," Pawar said.

The BJP also distanced itself from Patil’s remarks. State revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said he was unaware of the Union minister’s statement. “I do not know the reference of his statement. Everyone in the world, in India, and in Maharashtra, knows the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He lives in the heart of every person," Bawankule told reports.