Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a fiery critique against the Congress-led Karnataka government on Thursday, September 11, 2025, for its proposal to rename Bengaluru’s Shivajinagar metro station after St Mary. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Fadnavis labeled the move an affront to the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the revered Maratha warrior king, and accused the Congress of perpetuating a historical pattern of disrespect toward the iconic figure.
The controversy erupted after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that his government was considering renaming the Shivajinagar metro station following a request made during the annual feast at St Mary’s Basilica. Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar defended the proposal, stating that responding to community requests was routine. However, Fadnavis strongly condemned the decision, arguing that it was rooted in religious considerations and undermined the cultural significance of Shivaji Maharaj. “This is an insult to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The Congress has a tradition of disrespecting him, dating back to Jawaharlal Nehru’s remarks in Discovery of India,” Fadnavis said, urging Siddaramaiah to reconsider the decision.
Fadnavis expressed hope that “the Almighty grants Siddaramaiah the wisdom” to abandon the renaming plan, emphasizing that decisions driven by religious motives erode the legacy of a national hero like Shivaji, who is celebrated for his valor and contributions to India’s history. The Maharashtra CM’s remarks have ignited a political firestorm, with supporters of Shivaji’s legacy rallying against the Karnataka government’s proposal, viewing it as a slight to Maratha pride.
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In the same press conference, Fadnavis addressed other criticisms leveled by opposition leaders, particularly those drawing parallels between India and recent civic unrest in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Dismissing such comparisons as baseless, he accused the opposition of stooping to a new low by targeting the country and its society rather than focusing on constructive criticism of government policies. “You can criticize programs and policies, but attacking the nation and its people is unacceptable,” he asserted.
Fadnavis also clarified misconceptions surrounding the Maharashtra government’s recent Maratha quota Government Resolution (GR). Responding to critics, he emphasized that the implementation of the Hyderabad Gazette does not automatically grant Kunbi caste certificates to all Marathas. “Only those with verified Kunbi caste documents and evidence will receive certificates after thorough scrutiny,” he explained, urging detractors to read the GR carefully before making unfounded claims.
The row over the Shivajinagar metro station has heightened tensions between Maharashtra and Karnataka, with Fadnavis’ remarks amplifying the debate over cultural sensitivity and regional pride. As the Karnataka government weighs its next steps, the controversy underscores the delicate balance between community demands and the preservation of historical legacies in India’s diverse socio-political landscape.
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