₹10 Crore Sanctioned for Shiv Memorial at Panhala Fort

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Grants Immediate Approval to Shiv Devotees’ Demand

Kolhapur MLAs’ Persistent Efforts Bear Fruit

Mumbai – Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has sanctioned a fund of ₹10 crore through the Urban Development Department for the construction of a Shiv Memorial at the historic Panhala Fort in Kolhapur district.

During a meeting held at Vidhan Bhavan today, Deputy CM Shinde approved the long-pending demand of MLAs from Kolhapur and lakhs of Shiv devotees. A government resolution (GR) regarding this decision was immediately issued and handed over to the concerned MLAs.

This decision fulfills the long-standing wish of Shivaji Maharaj’s followers who have been advocating for a memorial at Panhala Fort, which holds immense historical significance.

Panhala Fort: A Legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Panhala Fort played a crucial role in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s life, where he stayed for 133 days. The fort witnessed Siddi Johar’s siege, the valiant sacrifice of Bajiprabhu Deshpande and the Bandal army, and later, the residence of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Despite its rich history, the fort lacks a single statue of Shivaji Maharaj, leading to widespread demands for a Shiv Memorial.

The first proposal for the Shiv Memorial at Panhala Fort was approved by then Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, who sanctioned ₹5 crore for the project. The plan involved constructing a platform in the middle of the fort’s lake, but the project was stalled due to various reasons.

Finally, Kolhapur MLAs Chandradeep Narke, Rajesh Kshirsagar, and Prakash Abitkar renewed their efforts, leading to this latest approval.

The meeting was attended by Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, MLAs Rajesh Kshirsagar and Chandradeep Narke, Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department Asimkumar Gupta, Deputy CM’s Principal Secretary Naveen Sona, and other officials.