Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati thanks Maharashtra CM for removing encroachment from Vishalgad fort

Pune (Maharashtra) [India], July 16 (ANI): Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, former Rajya Sabha MP and descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on Tuesday thanked Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for his intervention and his decision to remove the encroachment at Vishalgad fort and urged the people not to give the incident any "religious colour".
While addressing a press conference in Pune, Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati said, "I am happy that encroachments are being removed now. I want to thank the Maharashtra CM for his intervention and his decision to clear the encroachment. I want to request all that please do not give religious colour to this incident."
Vishalgad in Kolhapur holds significant historical importance as it served as a refuge for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. However, the Vishalgad fort has recently fallen victim to illegal encroachments.
Asserting that Vishalgad has a very royal history, Chhatrapati further said, "A lot of bad things were taking place. Animals were butchered openly, people consumed alcohol in the open. After looking at all this, I took this matter into my hands..."
While addressing the press conference, Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati added, "Many Shiv Bhakts were requesting me take notice of the illegal encroachment over Vishalgad. On December 4, I visited the Vishalgad with some of my supporters and there were very dirty encroachment by people of both religions."
He further said, "A total of 158 illegal encroachments were proved... I met the local administration again and took the details and I found there was no action taken over encroachment.
A day before, he said on his X handle, "Police have started arresting Shiv devotees after the case that happened in Vishalgad... The administration is deliberately targeting Shiv bhaktas to cover up its own wrongdoing and hide its irresponsibility. I stand firm with all Shiv devotees and I am going to present myself at Shahuwadi Police Station. Everyone should be patient and respect the law."
Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati on July 13 had organised a march to Vishalgad fort to free it from encroachments. A few days ago, the former Rajya Sabha MP took to his official X handle and said, "The identity of Vishalgad, the fort that saved the Hindu Swaraj by sheltering Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is being erased. Vishalgad is our historical identity. A meeting of Shiv devotees was held in Kolhapur to free Vishalgad, which is stuck in the clutches of encroachment..."
He added, "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj reached Vishalgad on 13 July 1660 after breaking the siege of Panhalgad. On the occasion of this historic day, all Shiva devotees from across the state should gather at Vishalgad in large numbers on Saturday, July 13 at 2:00 pm to free Vishalgad from encroachment." (ANI)