Team Herald

PONDA: PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar garlanded Shivaji’s statue to mark the 388th Birth Anniversary of Bahujan warrior King Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Farmagudi. Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude was also present.

Both the Ministers, who are residents of Bandora Panchayat, appealed the audience to remember the great contribution of warrior King Shivaji who fought for the freedom and who gave the Mantras of Swaraj (self-rule). Historian from Pune Dr Lahu Gayakvaad delivered a talk on the works of Shivaji.

The difference of opinion on the reconstruction of the Shivaji fort came up in both the ministers’ speeches. A portion of the wall had collapsed during the monsoons last year. Gaude, who is the Priol MLA, had visited the site and had declared that GSIDC would construct a modern-day fort to attract tourists.

However, the next day, Bandora Sarpanch Ramchandra Naik had declared that PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar, who is local MLA (Marcaim) had planned for it through PWD.

“I had also once celebrated Shivaji Jayanthi without help of Information Department,” said the Arts and Culture minister. Gaude asked the Bahujan youths not to fall prey to notes, liquor, and chicken offered by politicians and lose their self respect but imbibe good values and morals taught by King Shivaji.

Dhavalikar said, “Shivaji was the great Popular King of people. Nobody should forget his contribution. We should forget the differences among us and focus on good work. The Government will construct a beautiful fort at Farmagudi through the PWD and cooperation of the Chief Minister and all should come and co-operate in construction of a new fort.”

Bandora sarpanch Ramchandra, reacting to the speeches of both ministers, said “it is necessary that Government construct the fort. The present fort is in a dilapidated state and need renovation work by government. We want a new beautiful fort in place.”