Walking on the Path of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Is the True Path of Development: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Birth Anniversary Celebrated at Shivneri Fort

Pune, February 2026 : The path shown by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is the path of all-round development. To present this ideal of his work to the world, the 400th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be celebrated on a grand and global scale in the year 2030, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.

He was speaking at the Shiv Jayanti celebration held at Shivneri Fort. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister of the district Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Minister for Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar, MLA Sharad Sonawane, former MLA Atul Benke, Special Inspector General of Police, Kolhapur Range, Sunil Phulari, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Chandrakant Waghmare, District Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill, Deputy Conservator of Forests Ashish Thakre, actor Riteish Deshmukh, Maratha Seva Sangh State President Vijay Ghogre and others were present.

Stating that if Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had not existed, India’s history and geography would have been different, Chief Minister Fadnavis said that when many kings and rulers were working under Mughal supremacy, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, shaped by Mother Jijau, established the Swarajya of the people and gave a new direction to Hindustan. He united Mavalas from 18 different communities and established Swarajya, declaring, “This is not my kingdom, but the kingdom of the people.” He inspired people to fight for God, nation and faith, and freed the common people from the Mughal yoke. Equality, dignity, justice and women’s safety were given priority in his rule. He created a system of governance where farmers remained satisfied and injustice and oppression were not allowed.

While introducing reforms in administration, Shivaji Maharaj abolished nearly 50 types of taxes and created a simple taxation system. He planned water and forest management. Anticipating future threats, he built sea forts to prevent invasions via the sea. By defeating the Portuguese, he secured the western coastline. During his reign, no one dared to attack by sea, reflecting his foresight, the Chief Minister said.

Pointing out that forts across the state stand testimony to Shivaji Maharaj’s valour, Fadnavis said that, at the initiative of the Prime Minister, 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, including Shivneri, have been nominated as World Heritage Sites, with unanimous approval from 27 countries. The Cultural Affairs Minister accepted the related certificate. Thus, Shivaji Maharaj’s forts have now been officially honoured as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The government has decided to remove encroachments from all forts associated with Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.

Assuring that the state government would take positive action on the memorandum submitted by the Maratha Seva Sangh and consider all points raised, the Chief Minister extended Shiv Jayanti greetings to Shiv devotees in the state and across the world.

Building a Strong Maharashtra by Following Shivaji Maharaj’s Ideals: Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

Deputy Chief Minister Shinde said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a man of the era, whose visionary Swarajya continues to inspire good governance even today. He expressed resolve to build a strong and self-respecting Maharashtra by following Shivaji Maharaj’s ideals.

He noted that Maharaj implemented concepts of water management, economy and environmental conservation nearly 400 years ago. The ‘Shivrai’ currency system symbolised his foresight. Conservation of forts in the state will be accelerated. On the occasion of Balasaheb Thackeray’s birth centenary year, a fort cleanliness and conservation campaign will be undertaken.

Referring to Maharaj’s sensitive policies towards farmers, Shinde said the government is committed to empowering farmers. Upholding the tradition of respect for women, women are being empowered through the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme. Development of Junnar taluka and the Shivneri Fort area will be prioritised, and pending demands will be addressed.

Shivneri Fort Is a Source of Inspiration for Thought and Action: Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar

Deputy Chief Minister Pawar said that for the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Shivneri Fort—the birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj—was not merely a historical site but a source of inspiration for thought and action. He consistently worked to enhance the beauty of this sacred birthplace, preserve its heritage, and make it a source of pride for future generations. Through his initiative, the ‘Shivneri Fort Development Plan’ was realised and funds were provided for comprehensive development of the area.

She said Shivneri Fort was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List last year, and even earlier, funds had been allocated for conservation of forts across the state. Beyond Shivneri, efforts were made to develop Junnar taluka as a tourism taluka.

In the last budget, commitments were made to build a Shiv memorial in Agra, a Maratha valour memorial in Panipat, and a memorial of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Sangameshwar. Work on the Raigad Fort development plan and memorials at Tulapur and Wadu Budruk is progressing rapidly. These memorials will continue to inspire future generations with messages of pride and nationalism.

She expressed confidence that the state government, guided by the concept of ‘rule of the people’, will remain committed to building a just, prosperous and well-nourished Swarajya as envisioned by Shivaji Maharaj, while ensuring Maharashtra’s all-round development.

MLA Sonawane also expressed his views.

Earlier, in the presence of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers, women in traditional attire sang a cradle song narrating Shivaji Maharaj’s greatness at his birthplace. The police band rendered the National Anthem and the state song ‘Garja Maharashtra Maza’, followed by a three-gun salute by the police contingent. Students from Zilla Parishad schools presented scenes from Shivaji Maharaj’s life.

The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers later offered floral tributes to the statues of Bal Shivaji and Jijau, and carried the palanquin of Shivaji Maharaj’s portrait.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister presented the Shivner Bhushan Award to progressive farmer late Pankaj Waman, Dr. Vinod Sitaram Hande of Tata Cancer Hospital, Kharghar, Lieutenant Ajinkya Meher, former Panchayat Samiti Chairman Shivajirao Khairé, and Sub-Lieutenant Shrutika Tathwade.

Sub-Divisional Officer Govind Shinde, office-bearers of the Maratha Seva Sangh and Shiv devotees were present.