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.