Yatnal says “without Shivaji, everyone would have been circumcised”
Belagavi A fresh political controversy has erupted in Karnataka after Labour Minister Santosh Lad asserted that the Maratha icon Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was not anti-Muslim, triggering sharp reactions from BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal.
The exchange has reignited debates over history, identity politics, and communal narratives, particularly in the sensitive border district of Belagavi. Speaking to reporters in Belagavi, Minister Santosh Lad said that Shivaji Maharaj should not be portrayed as anti-Muslim under any circumstances.
“We were against the Mughals, not against Muslims. No one should falsely project Shivaji Maharaj as anti-Muslim. No one should distort history,” Lad said, asserting that he himself belongs to the Maratha community. He emphasised that Shivaji Maharaj stood for inclusive governance and resistance against oppressive rule, rather than hatred towards any religion.
Lad’s remarks came amid ongoing political discourse around Maratha identity, historical interpretation, and language issues in parts of north Karnataka. His statement was seen as an attempt to counter what he described as deliberate misrepresentation of history for political gains.
However, the comments drew an immediate and controversial response from BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, who made inflammatory remarks while addressing a public gathering. Yatnal claimed that without Shivaji Maharaj, forced religious conversions would have taken place, using language that drew sharp criticism from various quarters.
“If Shivaji Maharaj had not existed, everyone would have been circumcised,” Yatnal said, adding that he himself would not have remained Basanagouda but would have become “Basheer Ahmed,” a statement widely condemned as communal and provocative.
Yatnal further escalated his rhetoric by linking historical narratives with contemporary politics. He alleged that installing a statue of Shivaji Maharaj in Vijayapura was difficult because, according to him, “Pakistan-made” influences were strong there.
He also spoke about the Maratha Development Corporation and raised objections to opposition to the Marathi language, questioning why Urdu signage was not similarly opposed. “If you have the courage, remove Urdu boards,” he challenged, adding that “everyone should become like Yogi Adityanath,” referring to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister.
The remarks have intensified political tensions, with opposition leaders accusing Yatnal of spreading hatred and distorting history to polarise communities. Several civil society groups and minority organisations have demanded action against what they term as hate speech, warning that such statements could disturb communal harmony in the region.
Meanwhile, Santosh Lad reiterated that historical figures should not be reduced to divisive symbols. “Shivaji Maharaj belongs to everyone. Using his legacy to spread hatred is wrong,” he said, urging political leaders to exercise restraint and responsibility.
The episode has once again highlighted how historical icons continue to be at the centre of political contestation in Karnataka, particularly ahead of future electoral battles, with leaders using emotive narratives to mobilise support while risking social cohesion.
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