Hubballi, Aug. 30 -- Karnataka Labour Minister and Dharwad district in-charge Santosh Lad today rejected claims that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was anti-Muslim, asserting that the Maratha ruler fought for the protection of all castes and religions.
Speaking after launching the website of the Maratha Vidyaprasarak Mandal and performing bhumi puja for its new administrative office and PU college building in Dharwad, Lad said, "It is unfortunate that some people portray Shivaji Maharaj as being anti-Muslim. He was never against any religion. He opposed only those who acted against the principles of their own faith."Citing historical references, he said one of Shivaji's advisors was a Muslim, and it was a Muslim soldier, Rustum-e-Jamal, who a...