Amonkar says port authority can take land but must retain structure
The Shivaji statue on Mormugao Port Authority property, which the High Court has ordered to be removed.
VASCO
The ongoing row over the Shivaji statue on Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) land has intensified, with Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar strongly asserting that while the port authority may take administrative control of the land, it has no justification to remove the statue, which has become a symbol of public pride and historical reverence.
The controversy follows a High Court direction to remove the illegally installed statue from MPA property.
Addressing the issue in detail, Amonkar said the site where the statue now stands was earlier a neglected garbage dumping ground, lying unused and ignored for years.
“This was an unwanted and unutilised patch of land which had turned into a dumping site. No authority stepped in to improve it. It was Shiv Premis who took the initiative to clean the entire area, develop it, and install the statue. Today, that very spot has been transformed into a beautiful and attractive site that people take pride in,” he said.
He acknowledged that the statue may not have been installed through formal procedures but argued that the sentiment it now carries cannot be brushed aside.
“It may be termed as an unofficial or unauthorised installation, but the MPA should have taken a broader and more respectful view, keeping in mind that this statue represents our national hero. Instead, they have chosen to oppose it, which has hurt the sentiments of Shiv Premis,” he said.
Amonkar maintained that while the High Court’s decision will be respected, there is enough scope for a balanced and sensitive solution.
“We respect the rule of law and the High Court order. However, MPA must also act with maturity and responsibility. They must remember that they are operating a large-scale business on land that belongs to the government,” he said.
He added that taking over the land does not necessarily mean removing the statue. “MPA is free to take over the land and bring it under its administrative control if required. But there is absolutely no need to remove the Shivaji statue. The statue can very well remain in place even under MPA’s jurisdiction,” he asserted.
Amonkar also proposed a middle path that would preserve both legality and sentiment.
“MPA can retain the site along with the statue and regulate public access. On occasions like Shiv Jayanti, the premises can be opened to the public so that people can pay their respects to Shivaji Maharaj. This would be a respectful and practical approach that balances law with public emotion,” he said.
He further suggested that alternative solutions, such as land exchange, should be seriously considered.
“If needed, MPA can approach the government and request around 200 square metres of land in exchange for the 40 square metres currently occupied by the statue. This is a workable solution, and such options must be explored instead of creating unnecessary confrontation,” Amonkar added.
At the same time, he appealed for restraint among supporters. “I urge Shiv Premis not to take the law into their hands or create any law and order situation. We must handle this issue peacefully and within the framework of the law,” he said.
