Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati Hails CM's Action to Clear Vishalgad Fort Encroachments

Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati expressed gratitude to Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde for removing encroachments at Vishalgad fort. He urged the community to avoid giving the issue a religious twist and emphasized the historical significance of Vishalgad, while addressing illegal activities observed there.

Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, a former Rajya Sabha MP and descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, expressed gratitude to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for his intervention in the removal of illegal encroachments at Vishalgad fort. Chhatrapati, addressing a press conference in Pune, urged people not to give the incident any 'religious colour'.

'I am happy that encroachments are being cleared. I thank the Maharashtra CM for his decisive action. It is crucial that we do not associate this incident with any religious connotations,' Chhatrapati remarked.

Vishalgad fort, located in Kolhapur, holds historical significance as a refuge for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The site has recently seen illegal encroachments, including public butchering of animals and alcohol consumption. Chhatrapati revealed that 158 illegal encroachments were recorded with no prior administrative action taken.

On his X handle, Chhatrapati accused local authorities of targeting Shiv devotees to cover up their shortcomings. He pledged solidarity with the devotees and announced his intention to present himself at Shahuwadi Police Station. Earlier, Chhatrapati led a march to highlight the encroachments.

Chhatrapati emphasized the need to preserve Vishalgad's identity, noting that it served as a haven for Shivaji Maharaj in 1660. He called for a mass gathering of devotees at Vishalgad on July 13 to advocate for its protection.

(With inputs from agencies.)