Mumbai: The Mahayuti government in Maharashtra has intensified its focus on memorial politics following Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ statement advocating the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. In its latest move, the government has announced several new memorials, including one dedicated to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
Request accepted by Finance Minister Ajit Pawar-
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Maharashtra government will build a memorial of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Sangameshwar.@iAditiTatkare @vickykaushal09 https://t.co/xApXLGlRi8 pic.twitter.com/P6DfN3cBlR
Grand Memorial Planned To Honour Sambhaji Maharaj
The 2025-26 budget, presented by Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, includes plans for a grand memorial to Sambhaji Maharaj at Sangameshwar in Ratnagiri. This site holds historical significance as the place where he was captured after being betrayed by Maratha officials.
Pawar stated that the memorial would serve as a lasting tribute to Sambhaji Maharaj’s bravery and sacrifice for Swarajya. He also mentioned that work was already underway on memorials at Mouje Tulapur and Mouje Vadhu Budruk, where Sambhaji’s samadhi is located.
Chief Minister Fadnavis provided additional details, stating that the memorial would be built at Sardesai Wada, the site of Sambhaji’s capture. According to a Hindustan Times report, he assured the current residents that they would not be displaced entirely, following a discussion with the property owners who have lived there for decades.
VIDEO | Maharashtra's Finance Minister, Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks), presented the state budget in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Monday.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 10, 2025
Among the key announcements was the launch of a new industrial policy focused on attracting investments worth Rs 40 lakh crore and… pic.twitter.com/JdocThT3Cu
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial In Agra
In addition to this, the Maharashtra government has announced a memorial for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Agra, the city where he was imprisoned by Aurangzeb. Pawar highlighted the historical importance of Shivaji Maharaj’s daring escape from Mughal captivity, calling it an inspiring episode in Maratha history. He confirmed that the Uttar Pradesh government would provide land for this memorial.
The state has also decided to honour Maratha soldiers who fought in the Third Battle of Panipat by constructing a memorial in Panipat, Haryana. Pawar described it as a tribute to the countless Marathas who sacrificed their lives for Swarajya. The Haryana government is expected to allocate land for this project.
5 Other Memorials Planned To Honour Maharashtra Icons
Beyond these major historical figures, the government is in the process of establishing five additional memorials across Maharashtra. These will be dedicated to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, writer and social worker Annabhau Sathe and freedom fighter Lahuji Salve.