‘Insult to Shivaji’: Fadnavis slams Karnataka’s plan to rename metro station to ‘St Mary’

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had recently said his government would consider renaming Bengaluru’s Shivajinagar Metro station after St Mary, following a request made during the annual feast at St Mary’s Basilica. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar had claimed there was nothing unusual in responding to such community requests.

While strongly condemning the Karnataka government’s move, Fadnavis said, “I believe such a decision was unwarranted and was insulting to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.”

“What the Karnataka Congress is doing is keeping with the long and past tradition of the party, which has always insulted Shivaji Maharaj. Even the first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru had made objectionable comments about Shivaji Maharaj in his book Discovery of India. I can only pray to the almighty to give Siddharamaiah the good sense to not go ahead with the renaming decision, which goes against Shivaji Maharaj.”

Replying to opposition leaders while warning that India would also face civic unrest, as was being witnessed in Nepal, Fadnavis said, “The level of the Opposition has sunk low. They cannot reconcile with anybody else in power other than themselves. One can understand if the Opposition criticises the government and its policies, but certainly not society and country.”

Responding to questions raised about the Maratha Government Resolution (GR), the Chief Minister said, “Those raising the issue should read the GR on the implementation of the Hyderabad Gazette carefully. There is no blanket issuance of Kunbi status to all Marathas. Only those Marathas who can furnish valid documents will be considered for Kunbi status. Every individual will be subjected to thorough scrutiny.” The Chief Minister reassured Marathas and OBCs not to fall prey to any misleading campaigns, as the government would not allow any injustice to both the communities.

He also urged OBC leaders not to launch any agitation, reassuring their quota will not be compromised at any cost.

“I am talking to OBC leaders. I also urge them not to launch any agitation as we assure there will be no adverse impact on OBC quota.”

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