A viral social media video allegedly showing portraits resembling Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Rani Padmini used as washroom gender signs at a banquet hall in Sikri, Faridabad, has triggered widespread public anger and political criticism across India.

The footage, first shared on platforms including X and Instagram, purportedly shows framed images of the revered 17th-century Maratha ruler and the legendary Rajput queen placed on the doors of men’s and women’s restrooms at Milan Banquet Hall. Viewers quickly denounced the placement as insensitive and disrespectful to historical icons held in deep cultural reverence.

What the Video Shows and How the Outrage Grew

The short clip, which has now been viewed millions of times across social platforms, appears to show two framed portraits affixed to the entrances of washrooms at the event space in Sikri village, Faridabad district. One image resembles Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, celebrated for establishing a powerful Maratha kingdom and promoting self-rule, while the other resembles Rani Padmini, a figure associated with honour and sacrifice in popular historical lore.

Netizens reacted strongly, criticising the placement as “deeply insensitive” and “hurtful” to the sentiments of people who regard the historic figures as symbols of courage, dignity and cultural pride. “Do they not have any manners about where to place photos of legends?” one user wrote in response to the footage. “This level of cultural insensitivity is beyond repair,” another comment read.

Some social media posts also claimed without independent verification that Milan Banquet Hall was owned by relatives of a local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator, adding a political dimension to the rapidly escalating controversy.

Management Response and Clarification from the Venue

In response to growing online backlash, the Milan Resort reportedly associated with the banquet hall where the video was shot issued a clarification on its official Instagram account, stating that the artworks were never intended to depict Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj or Rani Padmini.

The management said the images were part of decorative artwork reflecting “ancient dressing styles” meant to enhance the aesthetic of interior spaces and were never meant to serve as gender markers. The statement also expressed sincere regret for any misunderstanding or hurt feelings caused by the placement.

According to the resort’s post, the images were removed within an hour of the matter being brought to the management’s attention, and the venue reiterated its commitment to respecting cultural and historical sentiments.

However, the clarification did not fully quell criticism, with many users questioning how such imagery was approved in the first place and calling for accountability from authorities.

Political Leaders Join the Row

The controversy quickly drew reactions from political figures and parties:

• Congress MP Varsha Eknath Gaikwad slammed the alleged use of the portraits as “absolutely unacceptable”, urging the Haryana government to ensure the removal of the images and questioning why incidents like this occur under BJP rule. She wrote on X that “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a revered figure … his image cannot be misused this way.”
• Leaders from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) also condemned the episode as an insult to national heritage and called for strict punitive action against the banquet hall management, stressing that disrespecting icons associated with Indian history is intolerable.
• Additional voices from across political and cultural organisations demanded legal action, with some suggesting the matter should be discussed in the Haryana Legislative Assembly and investigated by local police.

Some reports indicate that formal complaints have been lodged at the local police station and that an inquiry may be underway, though law enforcement has not yet issued an official statement.

Why This Incident Matters

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Rani Padmini hold profound symbolic significance in India’s cultural imagination. Shivaji Maharaj is widely celebrated as a pioneer of Swarajya (self-rule) and a unifying figure for diverse communities, while Rani Padmini’s tale of honour and sacrifice resonates with notions of courage and dignity. Because of their iconic status, any perceived misuse of their images especially in contexts considered disrespectful can quickly provoke public ire.

In societies where historical figures are woven into collective identity, the placement of their portraits in everyday spaces such as washrooms can be seen by many as more than poor taste it becomes a symbolic affront. The emotional response underscores how history and respect for cultural memory remain powerful forces in public life.

Broader Debates on Sensitivity, Creativity and Respect

This incident also feeds into ongoing debates about how historical imagery is used in commercial spaces and popular culture. Supporters of the banquet hall have argued (in comments and online discussions) that artistic interpretation and interior design should not be conflated with intentional disrespect, while critics maintain that venues have a responsibility to consider the cultural and emotional impact of visual elements.

Some commentators have pointed out that clearer guidelines or community consultation might help prevent such controversies in the future, especially when businesses use imagery linked to revered personalities.

Yet others argue that the strong reaction reflects broader anxieties about cultural marginalisation and political point-scoring in a highly polarised social media environment.

Looking Ahead: Accountability and Public Dialogue

As of now, no official government response has been issued confirming a formal investigation, and the local police have not released a statement. The banquet hall’s management says it has taken corrective steps by removing the images and is considering legal action against those who spread misinformation about the incident.

The controversy raises important questions about cultural sensitivity, artistic expression, and the responsibilities of businesses in public spaces, particularly in a country as diverse and historically rich as India.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

At The Logical Indian, we uphold the values of respect, empathy, inclusiveness and reasoned discourse. Historical figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Rani Padmini occupy a special place in the hearts of millions, and it is understandable that many felt hurt by the visuals shared online.

At the same time, in an age of viral content and rapid amplification, verification matters. Quick judgement without full facts can fuel misinformation and unnecessary polarisation. Social media’s power to mobilise opinion must be matched by equal commitments to nuance, perspective and verification