Sambhaji Chhatrapati claims Shivaji Maharaj's followers stopped from visiting Pune fort; CM Shinde assures better arrangements next year
The Hindu
Police officials reportedly restricted Shivaji Maharaj’s followers from entering the Shivneri Fort in Pune “citing crowding which may lead to an untoward incident such as stampede”, Mr. Chhatrapati said
Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati, a member of the former Maratha royal family of Kolhapur, on February 19 claimed police stopped Shivaji Maharaj's followers from going to the Shivneri Fort in Pune, on the occasion of the warrior king's birth anniversary, in view of the visit of some VIPs.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who visited the fort along with Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, said they would take steps so that the followers of Shivaji Maharaj do not face any hurdles while visiting the Shivneri Fort next year.
Shivaji Maharaj was born at the Shivneri Fort in 1630.
Former Rajya Sabha member Sambhaji Chhatrapati, who could not attend the official function at the Shivneri Fort on Sunday, claimed several “ Shiv bhakts” were stopped by police in the wake of the visit of some VIPs to the fort.
Addressing a gathering at the fort, he said, “When I was near the fort, some Shiv bhakts approached me and complained of police restricting them from visiting the fort. They told me that police were objecting to their visit, citing crowding which may lead to an untoward incident such as stampede.”
“This is highly unfair. The followers of Shiv bhakts should not face any discrimination when it comes to visiting the Shivneri Fort. Had I gone ahead, people would have followed me and this could have led to a stampede,” he added.
CM Shinde while addressing a function on the Shivaji Jayanti said he has heard Sambhaji Chhatrapati's comments.