Govt holds back promised Rs. 3cr for Sajjangad’s facelift

Ashadh Krushna Chaturthi

(Congress Government is always ready to give many crores of Rupees to Mosques, Madarsas and Churches, then why it is hesitating to give money to Hindu Iconic places? Hindus should boycott Congress everywhere in the India!)

Satara (Maharashtra): Sajjangad, a formidable fort and religious centre 15-km to the west of Satara, is in dire need of upkeep.

The fort, captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1673, is where Maharashtra’s revered Swami Samarth Ramdas spent the last six years of his life.

The state government has not yet sanctioned the Rs. three crore required for the restoration of the fort even though the 400th birth centenary of Shivaji’s spiritual guru concluded on April 13 this year.

Besides the fort and the math, the priority list also includes a museum to showcase Ramdas’ personal belongings, proper parking for visitors, widening of the approach road, a water scheme, renovation of the vedic school and afforestation.

Sant Ramdas spent the last six years of his life at the fort. He took samadhi in 1682. President of the Sri Ramdas Swami Sansthan Balasaheb Swami and manager Mohanbuwa Ramdasi said the government had neglected their demands.

Balasaheb Swami said that the government was allocating hundreds of crores rupees for the development of Alandi, Dehu, Pandharpur and Shani Shingnapur, but no money was coming Sajjangad’s way. "Perhaps we are not a vote bank," he said. The sansthan submitted a Rs 3-crore plan for the overall development of the fort after finance minister Jayant Patil’s visit in 2006. He assured them of help in 18 months.

The department of culture and tourism sanctioned Rs 32 lakh for repairing the railing, stone steps and the main entrance. The trustees said they had received no other assistance from the government ever though Sant Ramdas’ 400th birth anniversary year was celebrated.

Source: www.dnaindia.com

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