‘In this new era, no names after Mughals, noneof their statues installed’: Fadnavis at Agra Fort

Agra: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said on the sidelines of an event at Agra Fort to commemorate the 396th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that "in this new India, names are not kept after Mughals, their statues are not installed". Fadnavis added: "Earlier, Maratha history was taught in one paragraph, now it is there in at least 20 pages... In those days, text books were overloaded with Mughal history."Fadnavis further said that 400 years ago, Shivaji Maharaj laid the foundation of ‘swarajya' (self-rule), and in the same spirit today, the nation is being led under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi. "Maharaj's life, ideals, courage and governance model are being properly incorporated into education, ensuring the new generation understands his true legacy and contribution to the nation," he added, emphasising a change in approach in today's history textbooks.Fadnavis expressed happiness that Maharashtra and UP govts are jointly working towards building a grand memorial of the Maratha ruler and land acquisition process is in its final stage in the city of Taj Mahal."On the last anniversary, we all expressed a desire that the place where our Maharaj was kept in captivity and from where he escaped using guerrilla tactics would be developed as a grand memorial. We also requested the UP govt for this," the Maharashtra CM said while attending ‘Shivjanmotsav Sampurn Bharatvarsh Ka 2026' event on Thursday night.Fadnavis thanked UP CM Yogi Adityanath for cabinet decision facilitating land acquisition and said he "was confident that construction work would begin next year". According to officials privy to details, the proposed memorial is expected to come up at Kothi Meena Bazar ground in Agra.Fadnavis announced that in 2030, when Shivaji's 400th birth anniversary will be commemorated, "a grand celebration will be held at Agra Fort under the leadership of PM Modi".