Congress, AIMIM flay Sambhajiraje for leading protest to Vishalgad Fort

In the morning, Patil and Kolhapur MP Shahu Maharaj Chhatrapati visited Vishalgad Fort to inspect the damage done to houses, shops and vehicles atop the fort during the violence on Sunday. By Monday evening, the police had filed cases against 500 people and arrested 21 of them who had allegedly indulged in violence.

Patil said he and the Kolhapur MP were initially not allowed by the police to visit the affected area. ”But later the police relented. What we saw was very sad. People were beaten, houses and shops were damaged, vehicles were burnt… This kind of thing happening in Kolhapur is condemnable,” he said.

Patil said no one was against removal of encroachments from the fort. ”Why is the government keeping quiet? It should take action against encroachments. But who has given them the right to cause damage and beat people. This is just not done, especially, on a land which swears by the ideology of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” he said.

Former MIM MP Imtiaz Jaleel said he has asked party units across Maharashtra to hold protests in their respective districts and submit memorandum to the collectorate. ”I never thought Sambhajiraje would lead such a protest. He is the descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during whose rule all citizens were equal. He cared for every citizen. But his descendants seem to be going down the wrong path,” he said.

Kolhapur District Guardian Minister Hasan Mushrif said, ”You should ask Sambhajiraje whether his stand is appropriate. In the land of Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj and one which is known for progressive mindset, such an incident is highly unfortunate.”

Hitting back at the minister, Sambhajiraje said, ”Mushrif should not teach me what is progressive mindset. Encroachments are ruling Vishalgad. Two-three floor buildings have been built. Wells have been cemented and concrete platforms have been built on them. On the concrete platforms structures have been built. We will not tolerate this.”

”I want to ask those who are shouting from the foothills of the fort as to whether they have ever visited the fort… Mushrif and Satej Patil are telling me that I should not speak they way I have done. They are alleging that I have dumped progressive mindset. They have no right to question me. They should first visit the fort, see for themselves and then speak,” he said.

Sambhajiraje said the minister has never brought any development fund for Vishalgad. ”Forget about other forts in Maharashtra, but Mushrif has never even brought funds for Vishalgad which is in Kolhapur district. I have worked relentlessly for Vishalgad as well as other forts in Kolhapur. I have helped Vishalgad get Rs 5 crore funds…They are making allegations against me, but what have these people done for the forts,” he asked.