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This is an archive article published on February 20, 2023

Shivaji’s descendants Sambhajiraje, Udayanraje missing from city event

The Shivsrushti project was conceptualised by historian Babasaheb Purandare and is being developed by Maharaja Shivchatrapati Pratishthan.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the inauguration of the first phase of Shivsrushti in Pune on Sunday. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis also attended the event. (Express photo by Pavan Khengre)Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the inauguration of the first phase of Shivsrushti in Pune on Sunday. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis also attended the event. (Express photo by Pavan Khengre)
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Shivaji’s descendants Sambhajiraje, Udayanraje missing from city event
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EVEN AS Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the first phase of Shivsrushti, a historical theme park on the life and times of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Narhe-Ambegaon on Sunday, Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati and Udayanraje Bhosale, who are descendants of the Maratha warrior king, were missing from the event.

While BJP MP Udayanraje was invited for the event, Sambhajiraje was not invited. Udayanraje’s cousin, BJP MLA Shivendraraje Bhosale, was present.

The Shivsrushti project was conceptualised by historian Babasaheb Purandare and is being developed by Maharaja Shivchatrapati Pratishthan.

When contacted, Jagdish Kadam, chief trustee of the Pratishthan, said, “We had invited Udayanraje and he had promised to come. In fact, he had sought some VVIP passes for his associates, which we had provided. We don’t know why he didn’t come for the event.” Kadam said Sambhajiraje was not invited as only a limited number of people could be accommodated on the stage due to protocol issues.

Santosh Shinde, Pune unit chief of Sambhhaji Brigade, which has consistent opposed Purandare and his writings on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, said,”We welcome the decision of Sambhajiraje and Udayanraje to stay away from the event. The Sambhaji Brigade has been protesting against the wrong history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that is being depicted by Babasaheb Purandare. BJP has kept the Kothrud Shivsrushti project pending and has gone ahead with this one. We protest this move…”.

Dhananjay Jadhav, who heads the Pune unit of Swarajya Sanghatana —an organisation founded by Sambhajiraje —said, “We have no clue why Sambhajiraje was not invited…”. Sambhajiraje has been leading the reservation agitation for the Maratha community.

Meanwhile, Sambhajiraje on Sunday led a protest of Shivbhakts at Shivneri fort. Speaking to mediapersons, Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati claimed that police had stopped ‘Shivbhakts’ from visiting the fort and instead given preference to the entry of VVIPs.

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“As I was heading to Shivneri fort on Sunday morning, several Shivbhakts told me that police were not allowing them to visit the fort. They said police cited overcrowding at the fort, which could lead to a stampede, as the reason. I protest against this kind of discrimination against Shivbhakts.”

Later, while addressing a gathering at Shivneri, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said he has taken note of Sambhajiraje’s comments and will ensure that from next year, Shivbhakts do not face such problems.

Manoj Dattatrye More is a Senior Editor at The Indian Express, having been with the publication since 1992. Based in Pune, he is a veteran journalist with a 33-year career that spans editorial desk work, investigative reporting, and political analysis. Professional Legacy Experience: He spent his first 16 years on the editorial desk before moving into active field reporting. He has written over 20,000 stories, including more than 10,000 bylined articles. Impact Journalism: He is widely respected for "campaign-style" reporting that leads to tangible social change. Road Safety: His decade-long campaign regarding the dangerous state of the Pune-Mumbai highway in Khadki resulted in a ₹23 crore reconstruction project in 2006, which dramatically reduced fatalities. Environmental Protection: His reports against tree cutting on the Pune-Mumbai and Pune-Nashik highways saved approximately 2,000 trees. Anti-Corruption: During the COVID-19 pandemic, he exposed a scam where doctors were being asked to pay bribes for government jobs, resulting in them being hired without payment. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Manoj More's recent work focuses heavily on the shifting political landscape of Maharashtra and civic governance in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area: 1. Political Shifts & Alliances "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): A major report on the local self-government election results, detailing the NCP’s stronghold in Baramati, Indapur, and Lonavala. "BJP ropes in 13 ex-corporators, deals major blow to NCP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on a significant political defection in Pimpri-Chinchwad as the BJP gears up for civic polls. "Congress opts for solo BMC run as alliance talks with Sena (UBT) collapse" (Dec 17, 2025): Covering the breakdown of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) talks for the Mumbai civic elections. "NCP(SP)'s Rahul Kalate, Sena (UBT) leader Sanjog Waghere set to join BJP" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing high-profile party-hopping ahead of the municipal elections. 2. Civic & Administrative Accountability "PCMC draws ire for issuing tenders worth Rs 250 crore just before poll code" (Dec 17, 2025): An investigative piece on the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s last-minute spending spree before election restrictions. "93 killed in 76 accidents in five years: Bypass service roads in Pune remain undeveloped for 18 yrs" (Nov 16, 2025): A critical look at the long-delayed infrastructure projects contributing to fatalities on Pune’s bypass roads. 3. Social & Labor Issues "As state says TCS has laid off 376 employees: FITE flags figures, say nearly 2,500 were forced to quit" (Dec 11, 2025): Investigating conflicting reports regarding IT sector layoffs in Maharashtra. "Maharashtra govt move to 'downgrade' Aadhaar cards" (Nov 30, 2025): Reporting on the state’s decision to require additional documents alongside Aadhaar to combat identity misuse. Signature Beat Manoj More is the definitive voice on Pimpri-Chinchwad, an industrial hub he has covered for three decades. His reporting is characterized by its aggressive stance against local "gondaism" (thuggery) and a relentless focus on civic infrastructure—choked drains, garbage management, and public transport. X (Twitter): @manojmore91982 ... Read More


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