Kolhapur: Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad Sparks Fresh Controversy
Shiv Sena MLA from Buldhana, Sanjay Gaikwad, who was previously in the news for assaulting a canteen staffer at the MLA hostel in Mumbai in July 2025, has once again courted controversy. This time, he is accused of making expletive-laden threats during a midnight phone call to Prashant Ambi, the publisher of a book on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj authored by late CPI leader and rationalist Govind Pansare. The book was originally published in 1988.
Gaikwad objected to the book's title, which refers to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by his first name. In the nine-to-ten-minute conversation that began at 12:52 am on the night between Wednesday and Thursday, Gaikwad allegedly told Ambi to "go where Pansare has gone" and threatened physical harm. An audio clip of the conversation circulated on social media and news channels, prompting Gaikwad to release a video statement on Thursday. He claimed the audio was genuine but had been tampered with, asserting that he was only reasoning with Ambi about the book's contents. Gaikwad stated, "Ambi provoked me with his replies, leading me to use intemperate language."
Prashant Ambi, a resident of Rajendra Nagar in Kolhapur, approached the Rajarampuri police station with his lawyer, Asim Sarode. He submitted a complaint seeking registration of a case under sections 351 (criminal intimidation), 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of trust), 353(3) (statement conducing to public mischief), 356 (criminal defamation), and 192 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Ambi told reporters, "Govind Pansare wrote the book in 1988. It has been reprinted many times and is available in most Indian languages. Those who cannot argue about the contents only create a furore over the title. I hope Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio, takes serious note of the MLA's language and directs police to register an FIR."
Inspector Satish Hodgar of Rajarampuri police said, "We have received a written complaint from Ambi but have not registered an FIR yet, as we are seeking legal opinion."
Political and Social Reactions
The incident sparked protests by leftist activists at Chhatrapati Shivaji Chowk, condemning Gaikwad's conduct. Govind Pansare's daughter Smita, daughter-in-law Megha, and state Congress president Harshawardhan Sapkal also reacted sharply. Megha Pansare stated, "We will take legal action against the MLA. His language is unacceptable for any common person in Maharashtra." Sapkal demanded that the CM provide police protection to Ambi.
In his video statement, Gaikwad explained that the book was gifted to his wife at a wedding in Buldhana on April 21. He said, "I read it and found contents intended to tarnish the image of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. I questioned Ambi about using the first name. He provoked me. We will not tolerate disparaging references to our idol." Ambi clarified that a relative of the bride had requested 500 copies for distribution, and the MLA's wife likely received one.
Smita Pansare noted that writer Ganesh Karade used the same title in 1950, and Prabodhankar Thackeray also wrote a similar book. She said, "My father always urged people to read the book to understand the title. Had the MLA read how Shivaji Maharaj respected women, his language would have been different." Harshwardhan Sapkal posted on X, saying Gaikwad brought a bad name to Buldhana and demanded an inquiry and police protection for Ambi.
