Political Storm Over Shastri’s Statement A political controversy erupted in Maharashtra on Saturday after Bageshwar Dham's Dhirendra Krishna Shastri sparked outrage with remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during a dharmasabha in Nagpur. The claims, which suggested Shivaji once placed his crown at the feet of Samarth Ramdas and sought to step aside from governance, drew sharp criticism from political leaders, historians, and members of the Nagpurkar Bhosale royal lineage. The incident has intensified debates over historical narratives and the role of spiritual leaders in shaping public discourse. The controversy centers on an anecdote Shastri shared during the dharmasabha, where he described Shivaji, exhausted by years of warfare, as having placed his crown at Ramdas's feet and expressed a desire to relinquish his royal duties. According to Shastri, Ramdas refused to remove the crown, urging Shivaji to continue his reign. Historians have dismissed the account as lacking documentary evidence, with critics arguing that such narratives risk distorting the historical legacy of Shivaji, a revered figure in Indian history. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis swiftly condemned the remarks, stating there is no historical record to support the claim. "What's available in authentic texts does not mention any such episode," Fadnavis said, emphasizing the importance of relying on verified historical sources. He also addressed Shastri's comments about dedicating a child to the RSS, noting that spiritual leaders often express views in specific contexts and should be interpreted accordingly. Members of the Nagpurkar Bhosale royal lineage, including Mudhoji Raje Bhonsale, condemned the remarks as "unfortunate" and "factually incorrect.#devendra_fadnavis #chhatrapati_shivaji_maharaj #bageshwar_dham #dhirendra_krishna_shastri #nagpurkar_bhosale
Indora’s conservancy lanes set for Rs80 lakh makeover with new sewers and wall art Nagpur’s Indora area and its surrounding conservancy lanes, long plagued by neglect, are set to undergo a major transformation with a Rs80 lakh initiative aimed at upgrading infrastructure and enhancing visual appeal. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has announced plans to revamp 23 inner lanes, focusing on improving sanitation, safety, and aesthetics ahead of the Swachh Bharat survey. The project, which includes new sewer systems, repaved roads, and artistic wall designs, seeks to address longstanding issues of poor maintenance and deteriorating public spaces. Currently, the lanes suffer from broken surfaces, outdated sewer lines, and crumbling walls, leading to frequent waterlogging and sanitation challenges. Residents have long complained about the lack of upkeep, with the NMC official from the Mangalwari zone describing the condition as “extremely poor.” The official emphasized that the project would not only repair existing infrastructure but also introduce fresh designs, including murals inspired by historical figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The renovation process will begin with clearing damaged structures and upgrading existing sewer systems to prevent waterlogging and ensure efficient waste management. New paving will replace uneven and damaged surfaces, while side walls will be repaired and painted with colorful artwork and social messages. Officials have expressed openness to incorporating additional ideas from contractors or recommendations under the Swachh Bharat survey, aiming to create cleaner, more attractive public spaces. The initiative reflects the NMC’s commitment to addressing urban decay and improving civic amenities.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #chhatrapati_shivaji_maharaj #indora_area #swachh_bharat_survey #mangalwari_zone
Melghat Passion Trail Day 1: Influencers Experience Thriving Wildlife Ecosystem A group of 25 influencers embarked on a four-day expedition into the Melghat Tiger Reserve on Sunday, marking the first day of the “Melghat Passion Trail,” an initiative organized in collaboration with The Times of India. The event aimed to highlight the lesser-known ecological and cultural significance of the reserve, located in Amravati district, often referred to as the “Kashmir of Vidarbha.” The journey began at Zero Mile in Nagpur, with participants traveling to Chikhaldhara, a region known for its lush valleys and winding roads. The trail, which spans four days, seeks to immerse participants in the natural and historical landscapes of Melghat. At the forest rest house in Chikhaldhara, deputy conservator of forests Kirti Jamdade provided an overview of the reserve’s ecological and social dynamics. The group was divided into four teams, with three heading to safari locations in Shahnoor, Seemadoh, and Vasali, while the fourth team remained in Chikhaldhara for a grounded exploration of the area’s historical trails. During the jungle safari, participants traversed narrow, dusty roads surrounded by teak forests. The experience included fragmented wildlife sightings, such as pugmarks and distant animal calls, though many encounters remained elusive. The Gavilgad Fort trek, part of the Vairat safari experience, offered a unique blend of history and nature. The fort, believed to have been a strategic stronghold during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and later used by Raghuji Bhonsale I during his Bengal campaigns, stood amidst forested pathways. The team encountered a space where ancient history intertwined with the wild, emphasizing the reserve’s dual role as a sanctuary and a historical site.#times_of_india #amravati_district #melghat_tiger_reserve #chikhaldhara #chhatrapati_shivaji_maharaj
