MAPUSA
The sudden and overnight construction of a pedestal and installation of the bust of Maratha warrior king, Shivaji Maharaj at Ekta-Nagar, Mapusa which has a significant number of minorities residing in the area has raised eyebrows.
The entire exercise of construction of the pedestal with masonry stones and installation of the bust was done in one go in the wee hours of Tuesday.
The installation was done in an open space which was demarcated for beautification by the Mapusa Municipal Council.
Local councilor, Ashirwad Korjuvenkar informed that some youth from the area were involved in the installation of the bust which was done without taking permission.
“I am not against Shivaji Maharaj. But the way it was done and the timing was not right. Today was the festival of Eid. Besides, they should have moved an application and a resolution should have been passed to install the statue in the Mapusa Municipal Council,” Korjuvenkar said.
“Secondly, they have not even informed the local MLA of the move. The whole thing was done in a very clandestine manner,” he added.
As soon as the news of the installation of the bust of the Maratha king spread, the situation became a little tense in the area in the morning.
A large number of people also gathered around the site.
Later, Mapusa Police and North Goa SP rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation.
In bid to avoid any untoward incident, two police personnel were stationed near the installation site.
Incidentally, the Maratha warrior king has been given the pride of place in the town whose statue on the horseback has been installed near the Hutatma Chowk, Mapusa.
