NCP Protests Praful Patel’s Felicitation of PM Modi with Jire Top Pagadi in Pune
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri, 15th May 2024: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) staged a protest against Praful Patel in Pune, led by the Sharad Pawar faction. This protest was sparked by Patel’s felicitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a Jire Top Pagadi in Varanasi, a type of turban famously worn by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which stirred controversy in Maharashtra.
The NCP (SP) held a silent protest at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Chowk in Pimpri, with demonstrators wearing black bandages over their mouths. Imran Shaikh, the NCP (SP) youth city president, demanded a public apology from Praful Patel regarding the incident.
PM Modi filed his candidature form from the Varanasi Lok Sabha Constituency on Tuesday (14th May). Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Praful Patel, and other leaders of the NDA alliance were present at the event. Patel presented PM Modi with a special gift, a Jire Top turban styled after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. However, this gesture has sparked controversy.
In opposition to Patel’s gesture, the NCP (SP) held a silent public protest in Pimpri. They demanded that Patel issue a public apology. Imran Shaikh, the NCP (SP) Youth City President, stated, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is revered as a god by the people of Maharashtra. BJP members have consistently made disparaging remarks against him. Former Governor of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari also made controversial statements against Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.”
