Sambhaji Brigade should use ‘Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Brigade’, otherwise change the name; Dipak Kate demands

Pune: Condemning the deliberate singular mention of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s name by the ‘Sambhaji Brigade’ organization and party, the Shivdharma Foundation staged a protest march to the District Collector’s office. The foundation’s founder-president, Dipak Kate, demanded that the organization either write ‘Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Brigade’ in full in their name or change the name altogether.

The protest march started at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s statue near Pune Station and reached the District Collector’s office, where hundreds of Shiv devotees and Shambhu followers participated. The slogans ‘Jai Bhavani Jai Shivaji’ and ‘Glory to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’ echoed throughout the area. The protest was attended by Kiran Salunkhe (State Vice President of the Foundation), Karan Dhane-Patil (Pune District President), Akshay Chavan (Baramati Taluka President), Rahul Madane, Sugriv Nimbalkar, Vishal Dhumal, Rohit Tupe, Sagar Patil, Krishna Kshirsagar, Swapnil Nimbalkar, Rupesh Shinde, Mayur Kale, Sagar Joshi, Bhuvaneshwar Shirgire, Sanjay Madane, Datta Madane, Abhimanyu Kadam, and many other activists.

Dipak Kate stated, “The name ‘Sambhaji Brigade’ does not include the full title of ‘Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj,’ which we have repeatedly pointed out to the organization and the party. However, they have not responded positively.”

He further criticized the organization, saying, “The spokespersons of ‘Sambhaji Brigade’ talk about giving the death penalty to those who address Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj improperly, yet their organization is guilty of disrespecting him by using a singular mention. This is sheer hypocrisy. If ‘Sambhaji Brigade’ does not change its name, we will demand that the government revoke its recognition.”

Kate firmly asserted, “‘Sambhaji Brigade’ must either include ‘Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Brigade’ in their name or change the name entirely. If they refuse, the government should cancel the organization’s and party’s recognition. Additionally, the state government must take strict measures to ensure that Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is respected and those who insult him face severe legal consequences. A memorandum with these demands has been submitted to the District Collector, and we have urged the Chief Minister to take appropriate action.”