UP CM Yogi Adityanath says Mughals not ideal for Indians; renames Agra museum after Chhatrapati Shivaji

The 'Mughal' museum in Agra is still under construction. UP CM Adityanath took to Twitter and said that the Maratha warrior is 'our hero'.

Key Highlights

• The project was commissioned in 2016

• It was likely to be complete by 2017, but work is still underway

New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday, said that 'Mughals cannot be seen as an ideal' for Indians, therefore, Indian icons like Shivaji need to be promoted to inculcate nationalism and patriotism among the people. The 'Mughal' museum in Agra, which is still under construction, was renamed after Maratha warrior Shivaji Maharaj on Monday by the UP CM. 

The construction of the museum began in 2016. The project, which has been taking shape on a 5.9-acre land, was expected to be complete by 2017. However, the construction is still underway.

"There is a need to promote those subjects which are a matter of pride for the nation, except for the symbols of the mentality of slavery. Mughals cannot be our role models. Ideas of nationalism need to be encouraged. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is our hero," Adityanath was quoted as having said during the meeting.

Taking to Twitter, the UP CM further said, "The museum under construction in Agra will be known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum. The symbols of slave-mentality have no place in your new Uttar Pradesh. Our hero is Shivaji Maharaj. Jai Hind Jai Bharat."

Former Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis welcomes the move

The move was well-received by former Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis who took to Twitter and said - “Jai Jijau, Jai Shivrai! Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaji Ki Jai!”

The project, located within a kilometre from the east gate of the Taj Mahal, was reviewed by CM Adityanath today along with other projects in the city. The project is being developed by the state tourism department.

A brainchild of former Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav, the Rs 141 crore museum is in the final stages of completion. According to reports, the project faced a delay due to ongoing COVID-19 situation. 

The museum will house historic artefacts of Mughal dynasty.