Amit Shah Unveils Peshwa Bajirao Statue at NDA, Pune

Pune, Jul 4 (PTI): Union Minister Amit Shah, while unveiling an equestrian statue of Maratha empire warrior Peshwa Bajirao, emphasized that the National Defence Academy (NDA) campus in Pune is the most fitting location for Bajirao's memorial. "NDA is the most appropriate place for his memorial as it is the academy where military leadership is being trained," Shah remarked during the event on Friday.

He further highlighted the historical significance of the battles initiated by Shivaji Maharaj and carried forward by the Peshwas, asserting that, "Had the battle for independence started by Shivaji Maharaj and taken forward by the Peshwas for 100 years not been fought, India’s basic structure would have ceased to exist."

Lauding Peshwa Bajirao’s contributions, Shah added that "In his life of 40 years, Peshwa Bajirao wrote an immortal history which no other person could write."

To accommodate Shah’s travel to the event venue, some educational institutions along his route declared a holiday, held half-day sessions, or opted for online classes to minimize the impact on students due to road closures and traffic diversions.