BELAGAVI, 7 JAN

Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan on Tuesday termed the unveiling of a statue of Sambhaji Maharaj at Angol in Belagavi on Monday as illegal and said it would be formally unveiled within two months according to the State government’s protocol.

"The statue in Angol was unveiled by Mahatashtra PWD minister Shivendraraje Bhosale  on Monday in presence of Belagavi south BJP MLA Abhay Patil and mayor Sunita Kamble without the knowledge of the district administration. The action was illegal," Roshan said.

The installation of the statue had become a prestige issue between District In-Charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi and MLA Patil. It was also a bone of contention between Patil and pro-Maharashtrian organisation Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) leader Ramakant Konduskar.

The 21-foot bronze statue of Sambhaji Maharaj was made by an artist from Maharashtra using Belagavi Mayor Sunita Kamble's special fund.

After unveiling the statue, Bhosale raised slogan “Jai Maharashtra” and Belagavi south BJP MLA Abhay Patil and Mayor Savita Kamble applauded.

Condemning the “anti-state” slogan, the Kannada Rakshana Vedike (KRV) – Narayangowda faction has decided file a cases against the duo besides organising a state-wide agitation against them.

Patil, however, said the statue was unveiled with the knowledge of the city commissioner and the mayor. "The statue was dedicated with the permission of Mayor Sunita," he said.

Belagavi District In-Charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi said a few people with vested interests unveiled the statute illegally, without permission of the city corporation. "Cases will be filed against those who unveiled the statue illegally," Jarkiholi said. –Salar News