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Mumbai's CSMT to Get Grand Shivaji Statue Amid Political Battle

The Union Government has approved installing a grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Mumbai's CSMT railway station. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made the announcement in the state assembly, responding to demands from Shiv Sena (UBT) legislators. The statue will be part of the station's ongoing major redevelopment project and is already included in the master plan. This move is politically significant as it's expected to feature in the upcoming BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation elections.

Key Points: Fadnavis Announces Centre's Approval for Shivaji Statue at CSMT

  • The announcement came after Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Bhaskar Jadhav raised the issue in the assembly
  • The statue's installation is part of the station's large-scale redevelopment master plan
  • CM Fadnavis clarified no new state proposal is needed as the Centre has decided
  • The issue is expected to become a focal point in the upcoming BMC elections
2 min read

Centre to install grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at CSMT: CM Fadnavis

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis confirms the Centre will install a grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Mumbai's iconic CSMT railway station.

"Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a national icon. After the station was renamed... we demanded that a statue be built in front of it. - Arvind Sawant, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP"

Nagpur, Dec 9

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday informed the state assembly that the Union Government has approved the installation of a grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the premises of Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT).

His announcement came after Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Bhaskar Jadhav raised the issue, demanding that a grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj be installed at the CSMT. Jadhav pointed out that the CSMT station is named after the legendary Maratha king, but there is no statue of him there.

CM's announcement is important ahead of the upcoming BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation elections, with both BJP-led MahaYuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi are expected to make it an election issue.

CM Fadnavis, during a presentation made to him recently, informed that the grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be installed at the premises of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), saying that the installation is part of the ongoing large-scale redevelopment project at the historic railway station.

CM Fadnavis clarified that since the Centre has already taken the decision, there is no need for a new proposal from the state, confirming its inclusion in the master plan for the revamped iconic station.

He said that the reply of the Union Minister of State for Railways with regard to the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was in connection with the old CSTM. He reiterated that it will be installed after the completion of the ongoing large-scale redevelopment project.

Earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant had also raised the demand, expressing disappointment over delays. "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a national icon. After the station was renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, we demanded that a statue be built in front of it. Work had begun but was later stopped, citing jurisdiction and policy issues. Yet, the same Railways constructed a mural of Sardar Patel at Kevadiya station," Sawant said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good decision, but why does it always take political pressure and elections for such obvious things to happen? The work had started and was stopped earlier. Hope this time it gets completed without delays.
A
Arjun K
As a Mumbaikar, I'm very happy. CSMT is our pride and adding a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will make it even more iconic for tourists and locals alike. A perfect tribute.
S
Sarah B
While I respect the sentiment, I hope the redevelopment project and statue installation are done with proper planning and without disrupting the daily commute of thousands. The station's functionality is paramount.
V
Vikram M
Shivaji Maharaj's values of good governance and justice are what we need today. A statue is a symbol, but I hope our leaders also try to emulate his principles in their work for the people.
K
Karthik V
Clear case of politics before BMC elections. But if it results in a worthy monument for a great historical figure and improves the station, I suppose it's fine. Just get it done properly.

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