Mumbai: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday paid tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Raigad Fort on his 345th death anniversary on Saturday. Shah, along with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, led a delegation to honor the warrior king.
The visit also saw the presence of several prominent political figures, including MP Udayanraje Bhosale, Minister Shivendraraje Bhosale and Minister Bharat Gogavale. Shah’s journey to the fort began with a prayer at the entrance, followed by a steep climb to the summit, where he paid homage at the spot that once held Shivaji Maharaj’s iconic golden throne.
In a deeply emotional address, Shah expressed his profound respect for Shivaji Maharaj and his mother, Rajmata Jijau. He said, “I bow to the mother who not only gave birth to Shivaji Maharaj but also shaped his vision of self-rule.”
Shah lauded Shivaji’s relentless commitment to ‘Swarajya’ (self-rule) and his protection of dharma, emphasising that Shivaji stood as a defiant force against the powerful Adilshahi and Nizamshahi regimes.
He remarked, “In an era when the very idea of self-rule was considered rebellion, Shivaji dared to dream and acted on it. His courage and resolve make him a hero unmatched by any other. Shivaji Maharaj remains a timeless inspiration for India and the world.”
He also highlighted his unmatched bravery and leadership. He pointed out that even Aurangzeb, who called himself Alamgir and spent his life fighting the Marathas in Maharashtra, ultimately died defeated and was laid to rest in the same land.
He urged the people of Maharashtra not to limit Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy to just their state. “His strength, determination, and courage along with his ability to unite all communities are a source of inspiration for the entire country,” Shah said while addressing the gathering.
Eknath Shinde, reflecting on the historical significance of Raigad Fort, noted that it was not only the site of Shivaji’s coronation but also where he spent his final days.
“Shivaji Maharaj lived for only 50 years, but had he lived for two or three more decades, history might have unfolded very differently,” Shinde remarked. He further emphasised that the ideals of Shivaji Maharaj continue to fuel the spirit of self-rule in Maharashtra and beyond.
