Amid the raging controversy over Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmavati', Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday slammed fellow party leader Shashi Tharoor's criticism of the country's "so-called valorous maharajas."
"I think he should study history. I am Jyotiraditya Scindia and I am proud of my past," Scindia, who belongs to the Gwalior royal family, said.
After Scindia's criticism and outbursts from others against him on Twitter, Tharoor clarified: "Some blind followers of the BJP are spreading false propaganda that I have commented on Rajput honour. While speaking against the British rule, I discussed those royals that stood by the side of our colonisers."
On Thursday, Tharoor had claimed that India's erstwhile kings were "less concerned about their honour when the British were trampling all over it," adding that they are going after "a Mumbai filmmaker because their honour is at stake."
Tharoor had said, "In fact, every single one of these so-called valorous maharajas, who today are after a Mumbai filmmaker because their honour is at stake, they were less concerned about their honour when the British were trampling all over it. They scurried to accommodate themselves. So let's face it, there is no question, that we were complicit."
After Scindia criticised him, Tharoor said, "Keeping our cultural diversity in mind, I fearlessly say that it is our duty to respect the sentiments of the Rajput community. Their valour is a part of our history that can't be questioned. The BJP and the Censor Board should respect this."
Earlier, Union Minister Smriti Irani had also questioned Tharoor and even mocked some of the Congress leaders who have a royal lineage.
"Did all Maharajas bend down before the British? What do the likes of Jyotiraditya Scindia, Capt Amarinder Singh and Digvijaya Singh have to say?" she had asked.
Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels| Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks