"This is perfect": Maharashtra BJP leader shows Shivaji on currency note, countering Kejriwal

New Delhi: Kejriwal on Wednesday stirred up a hornet's nest by urging the centre to emboss the images of Hindu deities on the currency notes.

As the controversy keep roiling, Maharashtra BJP leader Nitesh Rane brought out a photo-shopped 200 rupee note with the image of Maratha icon Chhatrapati Shivaji, causing dismay in political circles, according to NDTV.

The lawmaker for Kankavli tweeted the photo with the caption "This is perfect", giving hints that the Maratha icon is also an ideal choice for the currency.

Kejriwal, whose fledgling AAP has emerged as the archrival of the ruling BJP in Gujarat, is apparently trying to beat it to the BJP presenting himself more lenient to Hindu sentiments.

Kejriwal argued on Wednesday that including Goddess Lakhshmi and Lord Ganesh on the currency would help shore up the economy.

BJP leaders hit back at Kejriwal saying that the AAP leader is engaged in a " political drama" to dissuade people's attention from the anti-Hindu mindset of the Aam Aadmi Party, and flaw of his government.

Sambit Patra of the BJP told reporters that Kejriwal's statement shows his U-turn politics and hypocrisy.

The BJP leader Manoj Tiwri said that those who objected to Ram Mandir have come with a new mask, adding that AAP is trying to save face after "abusing" Hindu Gods and Goddesses.

In a television interview, senior BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain alleged that Mr Kejriwal was trying to "sideline Mahatma Gandhi". Its IT cell head Amit Malaviya called him "an anti-Hindu bigot" on Twitter.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had said Kejriwal started reciting Hanuman Chalisa and added that even Owaisi will read the Chalisa one day.