Pune: The Maharashtra opposition parties staged a protest bandh on Tuesday on the controversial statement of Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and other iconic leaders of the State. Speaking at the public function Koshyari described Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, as an icon of olden times.

BJP in Maharashtra has not supported the bandh call, but BJP Rajya Sabha member Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Shivaji Maharaj, joined a silent march organized by the protesters. The march began at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s statue and would end at the Lal Mahal in the city. Shiv Sena leader Sushma Andhare also participated in the march. The Congress, NCP, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Sambhaji Brigade and some other outfits are supporting the bandh.

BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi’s statement that Shivaji Maharaj had apologised to Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb had evoked angry reactions in the state.

APMC in Pune also remained closed on Tuesday. A local traders’ body has extended support to the bandh by keeping the shops closed till 3 pm.