File complaint against writer of 'Shivaji Modi' book: NCP wing

The Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) student wing on Monday demanded registration of a criminal case against the author of the Hindi book that compares Prime Minister Narendra Modi with 17th century Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The book, titled "Aaj ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi" - written by BJP leader Jay Bhagwan Goyal - has triggered a huge controversy in Maharashtra with the ruling Shiv Sena demanding a ban on it and its allies objecting to the comparison. The book was released on Sunday in Delhi BJP office.

A group of Nationalist Student Congress (NSC) workers, led by its state unit vice-president Akshay Patil, submitted an application at the CIDCO police station here in central Maharashtra demanding registration of a criminal case against Goyal.

"Shivaji Maharaj is our idol and comparing him with any leader of today is his insult," said the student outfit in its application.

"This has hurt our sentiments and a demand has been made to the police here to file a case against the writer, Jay Bhagwan Goyal," Patil said.

An officer of the CIDCO police station confirmed receipt of the application and said it has been forwarded to senior officials for appropriate action.

The Shiv Sena, the NCP and the Congress, which are part of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi government, have criticised the book.

"Chhatrapati Shivaji's descendants should clarify if they like Modi being compared to him. They should quit the BJP over the book," Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said.