Maha to build memorials of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Sambhaji in other states

Maharashtra Finance Minister Ajit Pawar on Monday tabled his 11th state budget in the legislative assembly, announcing a slew of memorials to be set up in the state and outside.

Pawar said that as per the tourism policy, an investment of Rs 1 lakh crore in the tourism sector is planned over the next 10 years.

A grand memorial of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be constructed in Agra, Pawar said.

It was from Agra that the Great Maratha made his daring escape from Aurangzeb's captivity in 1666, a masterstroke that strengthened his legend.

Rs 50 crore will be allocated for the Shivsrushti project in Ambegaon in Pune district, Pawar said.

Shivsrushti, being developed in four phases, is envisioned as a cultural and educational destination celebrating Shivaji Maharaj's legacy.

A grand memorial for Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj will be built in Sangameshwar in coastal Konkan, the minister said.

Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Shivaji Maharaj, engaged in military campaigns against the Portuguese and Mughals, and was captured and killed in Sangameshwar.

A memorial will be built in Panipat, Haryana to symbolise the Maratha valour, Pawar said.

The Third Battle of Panipat was fought in 1761 between the Afghan invader Ahmad Shah Abdali and the Marathas, a devastating defeat that significantly weakened the Maratha Empire.

Adequate funds will be provided for an international-standard memorial for Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar at Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai, Pawar said.

A grand memorial for former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be constructed in Mumbai in his birth centenary year, Pawar said.

Rs 220 crore will be allocated for the second phase of the Balasaheb Thackeray National Memorial in Mumbai, he said.

A memorial and women's training centre will be established at the birthplace of the teacher and social reformer Savitribai Phule at Naigaon in Satara district, he said.

Adequate funds will be provided for the memorial of Sahityaratna Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe at his birthplace Wategaon in Sangli district, Pawar said.