Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday strongly condemned the Congress-led Karnataka government for its proposal to rename Bengaluru’s Shivajinagar metro station after St Mary, calling it an “insult to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.”

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently announced that the government would consider the renaming following a request made during the annual feast at St Mary’s Basilica.

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar defended the proposal, claiming there was nothing unusual in responding to community requests. Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis said, “I condemn the Karnataka government’s move to rename Shivajinagar metro station after St Mary. This is an insult to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The Congress has been continuing its tradition of insulting the Maratha warrior king since the time of Jawaharlal Nehru, who had made disparaging comments about Shivaji Maharaj in his book Discovery of India.”

The Maharashtra CM further said he was praying that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah refrains from making decisions based on religion that go against the pride of the Maratha community.

Fadnavis also used the opportunity to respond to criticism regarding the Maharashtra government’s GR (Government Resolution) on Maratha quota and the implementation of the Hyderabad Gazette.

He clarified that the notification is not a blanket approval for granting Kunbi caste certificates to all Marathas, but rather applies only to those who have valid Kunbi caste documents and supporting evidence, which will be verified before issuing certificates.

“Those criticising the GR should read it carefully. You can criticise the government’s programmes and policies but not the society and country,” he said.