Team Herald

MARGAO: "During his rule, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had reduced taxes and every tax levied was clarified to the people. The Central Government too needs to provide a clarification on the Goods and Services Tax (GST)" said TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai. 

Speaking at the Shiv Jayanti celebration at Betul Fort, he said, "Shivaji Maharaj ruled as a secular king taking people from all religions with him in making the Maratha empire a success. 

Sardesai assured that he will act as quickly as possible by facilitating the acquisition of the private land for solving the issues with regards to Betul Fort and promised to raise the issue in the Assembly. 

Leader of Opposition Chandrakant Kavlekar, Fr Albino Mendonca, Sachin Madage and Akbar Mulla were present. The programme started with garlanding ceremony of Shivaji’s bust.

Kavlekar appreciated the History Lovers Group for consistently following up with the notification and restoration of Betul fort for the last 3 years. He assured the villagers to give out his best to get the fort restored at the earliest. 

Yogesh Nagvenkar, President of History Lovers Group said this is a new history which the Betulkars have created by showing such love for the history of Shivaji Maharaj and Betul Fort. 

Sachin Madage spoke on the history of Shivaji’s relation with Goenkars. His history session was much appreciated by the Betulkars as it provided direct connect with Goans.

History Lovers Group and Betul Shivpremi Sanghatna celebrated Shiv Jayanti on the historic Betul Fort on Sunday. The programme began with a bike rally consisting of over 500 Betul villagers from Betul Fort and covered Velim, Assolna, Bhiusa, Fatorpa and returned to Betul.