Raigad (Maharashtra) [India], April 12: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday paid rich tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the occasion of his 345th death anniversary at Raigad Fort, the resting place of the legendary Maratha ruler. His visit coincides with the centenary celebration of the renovation of Shivaji Maharaj’s mausoleum.
Shah was accompanied by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and BJP leader Udyanraje Bhosale— a descendant of the Maratha king.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, died in April 1680 at Raigad Fort due to health-related issues. His legacy remains a powerful symbol in Maharashtra’s political and cultural identity.
Shah’s visit also comes at a time when political tension is brewing in Maharashtra over historical narratives involving Shivaji Maharaj and Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. His presence is expected to play a role in calming friction among alliance partners in the ruling Mahayuti coalition.
Union Home Minister Shah is also slated to meet with key leaders from the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP to deliberate on the controversial issue of Guardian Minister appointments in Raigad and Nashik districts.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stated that Shah is expected to visit the residence of Maharashtra NCP President Sunil Tatkare for lunch, with both Chief Minister Fadnavis and Deputy CM Shinde in attendance.
“Amit Shah is likely to meet NCP state president Sunil Tatkare, who invited him to lunch. Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis are expected at Tatkare’s residence to meet Shah and likely to discuss the issue of Guardian Minister of Raigad and Nashik,” Pawar told reporters.
Recent appointments of BJP’s Girish Mahajan and NCP’s Aditi Tatkare as Guardian Ministers of Nashik and Raigad, respectively, have sparked speculation of unease within the Mahayuti alliance.
Pawar, addressing the concerns, emphasized that the matter will be discussed amicably with Shah.
Later in the day, Shah will also participate in the 75th Foundation Day celebrations of Gujarati weekly magazine Chitralekha in Mumbai’s Vile Parle area.