Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol To Fund Reconstruction Of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Memorial In Deccan

PUNE: Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol, has announced plans to redevelop the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj memorial in Deccan using his Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) funds. His initiative aligns with the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) ongoing efforts to renovate the area surrounding the statue.

खासदार निधीतून होणार डेक्कन येथील छत्रपती संभाजी महाराज पुतळा स्मारकाचे पुननिर्माण…

आपल्या खासदार निधीतून डेक्कन येथील ऐतिहासिक छत्रपती संभाजी महाराज पुतळा स्मारकाचे पुनर्निर्माण करण्यात येणार असून महाराजांच्या शौर्याला, त्यागाला आणि धर्मनिष्ठेला समर्पित स्मारक लवकरच साकारले… pic.twitter.com/X0CmC8vICl

— Murlidhar Mohol (@mohol_murlidhar) March 29, 2025

In October 2024, the PMC approved a long-pending demand to install a canopy (meghdambari) over the statue. A tender of ₹47.27 lakh was sanctioned for the project, which also includes beautification of the surrounding area, including the Garware subway.

On Saturday, Mohol shared a video on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “The reconstruction of the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj statue memorial in Deccan will be done using MP funds. This symbol of our glorious history will continue to inspire generations.”

Balwadkar

The memorial is a key site for political gatherings and tributes. Various organizations, including the Vishwa Hindu Maratha Sangh, had been advocating for improvements to the site.

IMG-20250324-WA0012

According to PMC’s proposal, the renovation will include a quadrangle around the statue, a polyester resin canopy, a dedicated area for visitors, and improved accessibility with new steps. Senior PMC officials, including Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale, have already inspected the site.

📍 छत्रपती संभाजी महाराज स्मारक, डेक्कन

छत्रपती शिवशंभू सेवा ट्रस्ट यांच्यातर्फे आयोजित गुढीपाडवा महोत्सवात सहभागी होत उपस्थित त्यांना हिंदू नववर्षाच्या मनःपूर्वक शुभेच्छा दिल्या. यंदा या गुढीपाडवा महोत्सवाचे पाचवे वर्ष आहे.

छत्रपती शिवशंभो सेवा ट्रस्ट वआणि इतर हिंदुत्ववादी… pic.twitter.com/fD1NMsHHjj

— Murlidhar Mohol (@mohol_murlidhar) March 30, 2025

Social Activists Slam Decision, Urge To Focus On Development Projects : 

However, civic activists criticized Mohol’s move, arguing that MP funds should focus on essential infrastructure rather than beautification projects. They have pointed out that the PMC had already allocated funds for the memorial’s renovation.

PMC officials plan to coordinate with Mohol before finalizing the redevelopment details.

IMG-20250820-WA0009

85856