Amit Shah spoke at Raigad Fort

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday visited Raigad Fort and paid tribute to Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his 345th death anniversary. His visit also coincided with the centenary celebrations of the renovation of Shivaji Maharaj’s tomb. Shah was accompanied by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, besides BJP leader and Shivaji’s descendant Udayanraje Bhosale. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj died in April 1680 at Raigad Fort due to health complications. Shah said that neither luck was with him, nor the past was with him, nor money, nor army. A boy gave the mantra of Swaraj to the entire country with his indomitable courage and determination. In no time, he shattered the 200-year-old Mughal rule and liberated the country. He said that today, 75 years after independence, we stand before the world with our heads held high. Our resolve is that when 100 years of independence are completed, our India will be number 1 in the world, Shivaji had kept his original dream. Shah claimed that Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy is not limited to Maharashtra, but the country and the world need his ideals. Shah’s visit comes against the backdrop of growing political tension in the state, with the debate over the legacy of historical figures like Aurangzeb and Shivaji Maharaj intensifying. The Union minister will hold crucial discussions with leaders of the Mahayuti alliance regarding the controversial appointment of guardian ministers for Raigad and Nashik districts. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar confirmed that Shah will meet state NCP president Sunil Tatkare at his residence for lunch, accompanied by CM Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. “The issue of guardian minister for Raigad and Nashik is expected to come up during the meeting,” Pawar told reporters.