With Chhatrapati of Kolhapur

"Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj belongs to all India. His ideology is inspiration to all people. As also Maharashtra belongs to all people. He never advocated targetting innocent people."

These words came from no less authority than a decendent of the founder of Maratha empire and the present ruler of Kolhapur. Shrimant Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj was in the city on Thursday for a book launch on Maharashtra’s forts and hills. After the launch of the book, Shahu Maharaj said that Chhatrapati Shivaji’s name should noy be used by any particular person or group as he is an inspiration to all the Indians. He was an Indian leader.

Speaking to Pune Mirror, Shrimant Shahu Maharaj said, "Chhatrapati Shivaji is not limited to Maharashtra. He is inspiration to all Indians. He taught how to fight and win forts. It was all about political battles and struggles. In his name, if soe group target innocent people, then it is totally wrong," he said.

Shrimant Shahu Maharaj also said that the present plans by Maharahstra government to build a memorial of Chhatrapati Shivaji in Arabian sea is all well if it executed well. "What is wrong if a statue is erected of the person in whose name this state functions," he questioned.

"There is no occasion in Maharashtra that does not start with the name of Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule or Dr. Ambedkar. But it is just that some people are using their names for wrong reasons. Everybody has the right to benefit from Chhatrapati Shivaji’s teachings. But he never taught about violence on innocent people. Maharashtra is an integral a part of India and everyone is welcomed here," said Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur.