Metro Station Name Row: Karnataka CM Faces Backlash, Maharashtra CM Calls It Insult To Shivaji Maharaj

National News: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently stated that he recommended renaming the upcoming Shivajinagar metro station after St Mary. He made this remark during an event at St Mary’s Basilica in Bengaluru. The announcement sparked outrage from opposition leaders, especially in Maharashtra, where Shivaji Maharaj holds deep emotional significance.

Fadnavis Condemns Move Strongly

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis came down heavily on Siddaramaiah’s decision. He said renaming a metro station after St Mary instead of Shivajinagar would be an insult to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He accused Congress of following a tradition of disrespecting the Maratha warrior king.

Historical Reference Invoked Again

Fadnavis further alleged that this was not new for Congress. Referring to Jawaharlal Nehru’s book “Discovery of India,” he claimed that Congress leaders have belittled Shivaji Maharaj in the past as well. According to him, Siddaramaiah’s decision continues that pattern of insult.

Prayers And Political Attacks

Fadnavis also said he had been praying that “Almighty gives Siddaramaiah sense” not to proceed with the plan. He argued that bringing religion into a metro station’s name was divisive and disrespectful to Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy. His comments added fuel to the controversy.

BJP Leaders Target Congress

Maharashtra BJP leader Chitra Wagh said the renaming plan exposed Congress’s alleged “hatred” toward Shivaji Maharaj. She claimed Bengaluru MLA Rizwan Arshad had first demanded this change and Siddaramaiah supported it. Wagh urged Maharashtra Congress to clear its stand on the issue.

Karnataka Opposition Joins Chorus

Karnataka BJP leader Chalwadi Narayan Swami also opposed the proposal. He warned the government not to go beyond limits by removing the Shivajinagar name. He said Congress has already faced losses due to appeasement politics, yet it continues down the same path.

Appeasement Politics Under Fire

BJP leaders repeatedly accused Congress of appeasement, claiming such decisions divide communities. They vowed not to let the renaming go forward. The controversy has now grown beyond Karnataka, becoming a heated topic in Maharashtra as well, reflecting wider political battles over history and identity.