Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Orders Action Over ‘Objectionable’ Wikipedia Content on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the state cyber police to contact Wikipedia regarding the removal of objectionable content about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
Addressing reporters, Fadnavis stated, “I have informed the IG (Inspector-General of Police) Cyber about the objectionable writing on Wikipedia. They have been ordered to contact Wikipedia and take action… It is not operated from India.”
The controversy has arisen in the backdrop of the release of the Hindi film Chhaava, which portrays the life of Sambhaji Maharaj. Several organizations flagged concerns over distorted historical facts on Wikipedia, prompting the CM’s response.
Call for Regulations on Online Platforms
Fadnavis noted that Wikipedia operates outside India and follows its own set of rules, which complicates direct intervention. However, he stressed the need for guidelines to prevent the distortion of historical facts.
“They have their own rules…We will give suggestions like this – instead of distorting historical things, create a rule…Freedom of expression is not unlimited. It cannot encroach on the freedom of others,” he said.
Wikipedia functions as an open-source platform, maintained by global volunteers.
A formal notice has been sent to Wikipedia by the Maharashtra Cyber Department, stating that the content in question incites communal unrest and could create a law-and-order situation.
The notice demands the removal of the content and measures to prevent its re-uploading.
Concerns Over Social Media Regulation
The chief minister also acknowledged the challenges posed by jurisdictional limitations in regulating social media platforms.
“There is no geographical jurisdiction for social media. It was there earlier. We will discuss this with the Union government,” Fadnavis said.
He reiterated that freedom of expression has its limits, particularly when content crosses the line into obscenity or misinformation. “When obscenity crosses limits, action can be taken,” he added.
Illegal Construction in Kalyan Dombivli
Apart from the Wikipedia controversy, Fadnavis addressed the issue of illegal buildings in Kalyan Dombivli. He directed the police to take action against developers who constructed unauthorized buildings on government land.
“I am holding a meeting regarding Kalyan Dombivli. We will also go to the Supreme Court regarding how to save the needy. Ravindra Chavan has brought the incident to my attention. The police have been told to take action against the builder. The question is how to regularize the genuine buyers. Some buildings have been built on government land,” he explained.
Water Supply Issues in Badlapur
Fadnavis also addressed the pressing water crisis in Thane’s Badlapur region. He assured that funds from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) would be allocated swiftly to resolve the issue.
“I promise you that funds of MMRDA will get to Badlapur as soon as possible. I will solve the water supply issue,” he stated.
Additionally, he highlighted that dams are being constructed on the Ulhas River to prevent flooding in Badlapur during the monsoon season.
Fadnavis at International Temples Convention and Expo
Earlier, Fadnavis attended the International Temples Convention and Expo event in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. He discussed how modern technology could be integrated with traditional practices.
“Many temple committees from India participated in the event and discussed how modern technology and ancient Sanskriti can be connected,” he said.
Reaction to Wikipedia Content and Social Media Outrage
The controversial Wikipedia content about Sambhaji Maharaj gained attention after the release of Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal. Many social media users demanded the removal of the content, citing historical inaccuracies.
However, some users defended Wikipedia, claiming that the platform provides factual information.
Actor and film critic Kamran Akmal weighed in on the controversy, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “This is history and it is true.”
CM Unveils Shivaji Maharaj’s Statue in Badlapur
On Tuesday, CM Fadnavis unveiled an equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Badlapur, marking another step in preserving Maratha heritage.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has taken a firm stance against the alleged distortion of historical facts on Wikipedia.
His directives to the cyber police reflect concerns over regulating online platforms while ensuring historical accuracy. Alongside this, he continues to address key state issues, including illegal constructions and water supply problems.
With increasing public awareness and government intervention, the debate over freedom of expression versus historical preservation remains ongoing.
