Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the state cyber department to contact Wikipedia and ensure the removal of objectionable content about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj from the online encyclopedia.
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai on Tuesday, Fadnavis condemned the controversial statements found on Wikipedia, calling them unacceptable. “We strongly oppose the misinformation being spread about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. I have instructed the cyber department to take immediate action and engage with Wikipedia administrators to remove the content,” he said.
The directive comes after an uproar on social media, where users flagged alleged objectionable references to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj on the Wikipedia page. The controversy gained traction following the release of Chhava, a film starring Vicky Kaushal based on the life of the Maratha ruler. Many viewers visited the Wikipedia page to learn more about Sambhaji Maharaj, only to find contentious content, which sparked widespread outrage.
While several social media users demanded the removal of the content, others defended Wikipedia, arguing that the platform provides fact-based historical information. Actor and film critic Kamran Akmal also weighed in, stating in an X post, “This is history, and it is true,” while sharing the disputed content.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, CM Fadnavis also unveiled an equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Badlapur.