PM Modi pays tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his birth anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pic/PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his birth anniversary on Monday.

"Tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his Jayanti. A visionary leader, fearless warrior, protector of culture and embodiment of good governance, his life inspires generations," PM Modi said on X.

PM Modi has often lauded Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for his military and administrative genius and had invoked the much-admired Maratha king in his speech at the BJP convention on Sunday as well.

Born in 1630, Shivaji fought the reigning Muslim kings of his time, including the Mughals, to carve out his kingdom which went to become one of the most powerful empires in the years to come.

He is praised not only for his military skills but also administrative acumen.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as well as Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his birth anniversary on Monday at Shivneri Fort in Pune, reported PTI.

Shinde and the two deputy CMs attended various programmes to mark the occasion, including the 'cradle ceremony' at the fort.

Addressing the gathering at the event, Shinde lauded the contribution of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and said he was an able administrator and king of commoners (Rayatecha Raja), reported PTI.

Shinde said the nomination of 11 forts from Maharashtra in the UNESCO World Heritage sites by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a matter of pride for the state, reported PTI.

"It is our responsibility to preserve the forts in the state, which are our heritage and legacy," he said, reported PTI.

The development work of Shivneri Fort and Junnar tehsil is underway on the lines of Raigad Fort with tourism being a primary aim, the CM said, reported PTI.

Speaking about the Maratha quota, Shinde said his government has convened a special session of the Maharashtra Legislature for Maratha quota, reported PTI.

The aim would be to provide sustainable quota to the community without it affecting benefits of other communities, he asserted, reported PTI.

A large number of followers of the emperor are expected to gather at Shivneri Fort throughout the day to pay tribute.

(With inputs from PTI)