Rane cub rides on Shivaji's popularity

Narayan Rane's son Nitesh wants statue at CST and sports complex at MU to be named after the Maratha hero

It's been more than 350 years since Shivaji ruled Maharashtra, but politicians still try to cash in on the popularity of the Maratha hero. Nitesh Rane has demanded that a statue of Shivaji be installed at CST.

The son of state Industries Minister Narayan Rane also wants the upcoming sports complex at Mumbai University to be named after Shivaji.

"Lakhs of people, especially those from overseas, who come to CST should be able to see and identify the great Maratha warrior. Besides, the statue will be a matter of pride for the people of the state," said Nitesh.
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Signature campaign

Nitesh's socio-political group Swabhimaan has launched a signature campaign to garner public support for their demand.

Activists of Swabhimaan have already collected more than 10,000 signatures.
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However, the Railways are unaware about any such demand. "We don't know about any plans to install a Shivaji statue at CST. If the matter comes to us, we will refer it to the ministry since it's a policy decision."

Statue in sea

A 309-ft statue of Shivaji will be erected in the Arabian Sea off Marine Drive. The government has sanctioned Rs 300 crore for the statue.

The monument will be on the lines of the Statue of Liberty in New York and will have the Maratha king mounted on a horse.