1 day Ago By TOI City Desk
RAIGAD: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday lauded the bravery of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Raigad Fort whilst observing his 345th death anniversary. He highlighted that despite Aurangzeb 's self-proclaimed title of Alamgir and his lifelong battles against the Marathas in Maharashtra, he ultimately perished as a defeated ruler and was laid to rest in Maharashtra 's soil. He noted that Shivaji Maharaj's principles of "swadharm and swarajya" remain a guiding force in India's aspirations to achieve superpower status by the centenary of its Independence.
"I appeal to the people of Maharashtra to not keep Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj restricted to the state. His tremendous willpower, determination, and courage inspire the country as he strategically united all sections of the society," Shah said while addressing a gathering. Shah said Shivaji Maharaj defeated "Mughal shahi" (rule of Mughals).
"The ruler who called himself Alamgir fought Marathas till he was alive and died a defeated man in Maharashtra. His (Aurangzeb's) samadhi (tomb) is located on its soil," Shah said. Maharashtra experienced significant political controversy regarding right-wing groups' demands for the removal of the 17th Century Mughal emperor's tomb situated in Khultabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.
"The legendary Maratha warrior king's ideals inspire India during its journey to celebrate its centenary of independence and become a superpower. The Narendra Modi government works on the ideals of Shivaji Maharaj,'' Shah said. The Union Home Minister emphasised that Raigad Fort, the former capital of the Maratha empire and location of Shivaji Maharaj's samadhi, serves as an inspirational landmark for coming generations rather than merely a tourist destination.
He acknowledged that Jijabai, Shivaji Maharaj's mother, initiated the foundation for protecting "swadharm" and establishing "swarajya." With India progressing towards its independence centenary in 2047 and its aspirations for global leadership, Shah highlighted Shivaji Maharaj's continuing relevance as a guiding figure. The Indian Navy's adoption of his "rajmudra" as its official ensign demonstrates his lasting impact on the nation.
Shah emphasised the ongoing necessity to safeguard "swadharm" whilst following Shivaji Maharaj's principles of effective administration and equitable justice. The Home Minister's visit included chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, along with BJP MP Udayanraje Bhosale and state Minister Shivendrasinh Bhosale, who are descendants of the Maratha king. Chief minister Fadnavis reaffirmed the government's dedication to establishing Shivaji Maharaj's memorial in the Arabian Sea, whilst noting that a related petition has returned to the Bombay High Court's consideration.
"We will present the case skillfully," he said. Fadnavis acknowledged Udayanraje Bhosle's proposal for establishing a national memorial dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj in Delhi and committed to raising this matter with Amit Shah. During the discussion, Bhosle emphasised the significance of Shivaji Maharaj's principles regarding social equality and religious harmony.
He advocated for legislation that would classify disrespect towards Shivaji Maharaj as a serious offence, warranting a decade-long imprisonment without bail. Additionally, he suggested creating a regulatory body to verify historical authenticity in film representations. "Despite dedicating his life to others, he is still being insulted.
I demand that a law be enacted, making insult of Shivaji Maharaj a cognisable and non-bailable offence with no bail for 10 years. There should be a censor board to check the cinematic liberty and factual errors on government-certified history," he said. Bhosle noted that whilst the proposed Shivaji Maharaj memorial in the Arabian Sea faced delays due to environmental concerns, Raj Bhavan's 48-acre plot could serve as an alternative construction site.
The suggestion offered a potential solution to the delayed memorial project. At Pachad near Raigad Fort, Shah and other officials paid floral respects to Jijabai. Subsequently, Shah was scheduled to dine with Raigad's NCP MP Sunil Tatkare at his Sutarwadi residence.
Tatkare confirmed to the press that the lunch would not involve political discussions. The timing of this lunch meeting coincides with ongoing disagreements between Mahayuti allies regarding the guardian minister position for Raigad district. Although Fadnavis had designated cabinet minister Aditi Tatkare for the guardian minister role, the decision was suspended following objections from the Shiv Sena, who supported Bharat Gogawale's candidacy.
Tatkare clarified that the guardian minister appointment would not be discussed during the lunch meeting..
