Maharashtra’s Finance Minister Ajit Pawar presented his 11th state budget in the assembly on Monday. He announced plans to build several memorials in Maharashtra and beyond, highlighting the state’s tourism policy that aims to invest Rs 1 lakh crore in the tourism sector over the next 10 years.
One notable project is a grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which will be built in Agra. This location is special because it is where Shivaji Maharaj famously escaped from Aurangzeb’s captivity in 1666, an event that boosted his legendary status.
In Pune, Rs 50 crore will go towards the Shivsrushti project, which will honor Shivaji Maharaj by creating a cultural and educational site in Ambegaon. Another memorial for his son, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, will be built in Sangameshwar, where he battled the Portuguese and Mughals before he was captured and killed.
Pawar also mentioned that a memorial in Panipat, Haryana will honor the Maratha warriors who fought bravely in the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, helping to remember their sacrifices. Additionally, funding will be given for a special international memorial for Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar at Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai.
Moreover, a grand memorial for former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be built in Mumbai as part of his birth centenary celebrations. The second phase of the Balasaheb Thackeray National Memorial in Mumbai will receive Rs 220 crore.
Finally, a memorial and a women’s training center will be set up at Savitribai Phule’s birthplace in Naigaon, Satara. Funding will also be allocated for a memorial in honor of Sahityaratna Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe at Wategaon, Sangli district.