Bengaluru, Sep 12 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena(UBT), an ally of the Congress party's INDIA alliance, has formally requested Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to rename the Metro Station in the Shivajinagar area of Bengaluru after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This appeal comes as the Karnataka government is also considering naming it after the Saint Basilica Church.

Anand Dubey, spokesperson for Shiv Sena(UBT), emphasized that Shivaji Maharaj is a significant figure beyond Maharashtra; he is recognized as the founder of the Swaraj movement across the subcontinent and a legendary warrior. Renaming the Metro Station in his honour would serve as a tribute to his enduring legacy, while also enhancing Bengaluru's cultural identity on a global scale.

“Maharashtra and Karnataka enjoy a relationship filled with mutual respect and shared cultural ties,” he remarked.

He further noted that naming the Metro Station after Shivaji Maharaj would motivate future generations by showcasing the bravery and valor of this historical figure, thereby fortifying the cultural integrity of both states.

Dubey added, “We respectfully urge you to consider our request and respond positively and promptly. Should you wish to discuss this further, we are open to communication.”

In response to the ongoing debate, senior Congress leader and MLC B.K. Hariprasad pointed out that the Saint Basilica Church in Shivajinagar is of equal historical significance to Shivaji Maharaj. He stated that naming the Metro Station after the church is entirely appropriate and criticized Maharashtra's Chief Minister for his remarks, urging him to focus on his own state's issues.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis criticized the Congress-led Karnataka government for its proposal to rename the Shivajinagar Metro Station as 'St. Mary Basilica Church', claiming it disrespects Shivaji Maharaj. He described the decision as unwarranted and insulting.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, during a recent visit to the feast of Saint Mary, confirmed that the proposal to rename Bengaluru's Shivajinagar Metro Station as 'St. Mary Metro Station' is under serious consideration. He mentioned that if the local MLA submits a proposal, it will be forwarded to the Central government for review.

Rizwan Arshad, the Shivajinagar MLA, stated that there is no issue with naming the Metro Station after St. Mary’s. “The Saint Mary’s Basilica Church is a prominent 250-year-old landmark, attracting thousands of visitors,” said MLA Rizwan.

The new Shivajinagar Metro Station is conveniently located near the Basilica Church and the Shivajinagar bus depot. It is part of the under-construction Pink Line of the Bengaluru Metro. Additionally, there are demands to name the Shivajinagar Metro Station after the late Kannada actor, director, activist, and politician Shankar Nag.