BJP leader's book comparing Narendra Modi with Shivaji sparks political outrage

A book by BJP leader Jay Bhagwan comparing  Chhatrapati Shivaji to Prime Minister Narendra Modi has led to massive political outrage in Maharashtra with the Congress, the Shiv Sena and (NCP) - who are part of the ruling alliance - hitting out the BJP. The book, titled "Aaj ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi", was released during a religious-cultural meet organised by the Delhi BJP. Terming it "chamchagiri" or sycophancy, the Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut said the warrior king's descendants should clarify if they like the Prime Minister being likened to him."Chhatrapati Shivaji's descendants should clarify if they like (Narendra) Modi being compared to him. Chhatrapati Shivaji's descendants should quit BJP over the book," MR Raut said, targeting the BJP's Rajya Sabha member Sambhaji Raje, who is a descendant of Shivaji. 

Sambhaji Raje demanded that BJP chief Amit Shah ban the book,  "We respect Narendra Modi, who was elected as the prime minister of the country for the second time. But neither Modi nor anybody else in the world can be compared with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," Maharashtra Congress spokesperson lodged a complaint with Nagpur Police against the author for allegedly hurting the sentiments of the people for comparing Modi with Shivaji in the book. Ashok Chavan of NCP said Chhatrapati Shivaji's personality and work are incomparable.