Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while unveiling the grand statue of Maharana Pratap at Cannought Place in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, launched a sharp criticism against those glorifying Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, reminding them of what India’s first Prime Minister wrote.
“Those who feel that Aurangzeb was a hero should read Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who wrote that the Mughal emperor was a cruel, fundamentalist ruler,” Singh declared, drawing applause from the audience. Singh also targeted Pakistan for naming its missiles after medieval invaders like Ghauri, Ghaznavi, Babur, Abdali, and Taimur. “They glorify those who tried to destroy India, while we in India build statues of Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, and Maharana Pratap our real Nayaks,” he said.
A symbol of pride and sacrifice
Describing Maharana Pratap as a symbol of valour and resistance, Singh said, “He sacrificed his life to uphold his self-respect and challenged the might of the Mughal Empire. His army was inclusive Adivasis and Muslims stood by him. Hakim Khan Suri laid down his life in Haldighati, and Shivaji Maharaj’s personal guard was a Muslim youth.” The Defence Minister further stated, “India will be among the top three countries in the world by 2027, and we must take inspiration from our warriors who prioritized honour over luxury.”
“Maharana pratap rejected 5,000 mansabdari”: CM
CM Devendra Fadnavis, who presided over the event, recalled how Maharana Pratap refused a lucrative 5,000-mansabdari (rank) offered by the Mughals and chose to fight instead. “We are not only followers of that legacy but the ones who sowed its seeds,” he said.
A testament of pride
Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde said the statue stands as a testament to India’s pride, much like the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that faces the sky with dignity. Mewad’s royal descendant Lakshyaraj Singh expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response from the youth. “This isn’t just a statue. It is a statement of pride, a legacy brought to life,” he said.
The event saw attendance from prominent leaders including chief guest union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, chairperson of the event CM Devendra Fadnavis, Mewad Naresh Lakshyaraj Singh, rajasthan governor Haribhau Bagde, minister of Protocol Jaykumar Rawal, OBC welfare minister Atul Save, minister Sanjay Shirshat, leader of Opposition MLC Ambadas Danve, MP Bhagwat Karad, MP Sandipan Bhumare, MLC Satish Chavan, Pradip Jaiswal, MLC Sanjay Kenekar, Anuradha Chavan, municipal commissioner G. Sreekanth and others were present at the event.