Controversy Erupts Over Women’s Education Legacy: Udayan Raje Bhosale’s Statement Sparks Debate on Mahatma Phule’s Role

NewsDotz April 11, 2025

Udayan Raje Bhosale claimed Pratap Singh Bhosale pioneered women’s education, sparking backlash from OBC leader Mangesh Sasane for downplaying Mahatma Phule’s legacy.

Dilip Shekhawat
Pune, April 11, 2025: A fresh controversy has stirred the socio-political waters following a statement made by Udayan Raje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, during his visit to Bhidewada on the occasion of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule’s birth anniversary. Bhosale remarked that women’s education was first initiated by Pratap Singh Raje Bhosale of Satara, and only later carried forward by Mahatma Phule.

This statement has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Mangesh Sasane, a prominent OBC leader strongly objected to Bhosale’s assertion, expressing disappointment that Phule’s pivotal role in pioneering women’s education is being undermined.

“It’s shocking and disheartening that a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is attempting to rewrite historical facts,” Sasane said, condemning the attempt to displace Mahatma Phule from his widely acknowledged position as the person who started the first school for girls in India.
The timing of this dispute, coinciding with the release of a film celebrating

Phule’s legacy, has further intensified public interest and emotional response, especially among communities that revere Phule’s contribution to social reform and education.