MARGAO
Saying the Shiv Premis have installed the Shivaji statue at Sao Jose de Areal village on land belonging to an owner belonging to the Muslim community, Social Welfare Minister Subhash Faldesai wondered what harm will the statue make for the local villagers when the statue has been installed at an isolated place on a hillock.
He told the media that though he was attacked by the villagers with mud and stones, he preferred not to lodge a complaint with the police so as not to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
He, however, said the attack was pre-planned as evident by the fact that the women covered with scarves were trying to block his way by squatting in front of him.
“I had gone for the inauguration of the Shivaji statue after a Muslim brother said he wanted a Shivaji statue in his property. I can’t understand why the people have opposed the statue located on a hillock that has no habitation around. Moreover, the land in question is private property. Why should there be any objection from anyone to Shivaji statue when it is being installed in one’s own property”, he question.
Faldesai said if the villagers have any grievances, they are free to take the matter to various forums to get them resolved.
“I decided not to lodge a police complaint since that would have only vitiated the atmosphere. Shivaji Maharaj had taken all people together during his reign”, he added.
