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3mo ago

Amit Shah Unveils Bajirao Peshwa Statue at NDA, Lineage and Renaming Disputes Continue

The statue’s installation at the NDA serves to link Bajirao Peshwa’s undefeated legacy with today’s defence narrative to motivate cadets.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveils the Thorle Bajirao Peshwe's statue at NDA on Friday. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, deputy CMs Ajit Pawar, Eknath Shinde, Union MoS Murlidhar Mohol, minister Chandrakant Patil, and others were also present. (HT)
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The 13.5-foot-tall, 4,000-kg bronze statue has been donated to the NDA by the Shreemath Thorle Bajirao Peshwa Pratishthan. (HT FILE)

Overview

  • On July 4, Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled a 13.5-foot, 4,000-kg bronze equestrian statue of Bajirao Peshwa I at the National Defence Academy campus in Khadakwasla.
  • Shah lauded Bajirao’s record of 41 victories without defeat and cited Operation Sindoor as a modern example of defending Swaraj to inspire future military leaders.
  • Shadab Ali Bahadur Peshwa, claiming direct descent from Mastani, boycotted the ceremony after alleging he was denied stage access, underscoring disputes over rightful lineage.
  • BJP MP Medha Kulkarni’s demand to rename Pune railway station after Bajirao has drawn opposition from regional parties and social groups concerned about erasing other local heroes.
  • The event reflects a broader government strategy to revive regional Hindu icons in public spaces to bolster nationalist narratives and political capital ahead of local polls.