Small Change

The Petition reads fine. Only issue is, if next year there is no drought then as per the current petition, it is fine for the government to construct the statue. With full respect to the great King, he would have also endorsed the view that once all the challenges of the state are met then only should such un-productive expenditures be enchouraged. Further we need to even find out whether such construction will be hazardous to the environmental, humans or animals.

Please do something for the mess which is on the roads, mumbai inspite of being a financial capital has worst infrastructure. the govt should thing abt building the same instead of wasting money on building statues.

Please use the money for a better cause which would help the people and environment!

I totally endorse it!

Totally agree. He has more than a valid point. It is important for the government to look into important and grave issues like farmers suicides and education which are suffering at this point of time.

Spend the money on better infrastructure

totally agree....

I was just watching a Tourism ad on T.V it said Incredible India! and that\'s before the statue we don\'t need this as pointed out above...

i think it\'s better makin future of the inhabitants of the state better and comfortable is a better option rather than this statue.... no offense but 350 crores will serve more to the ppl than the statue.....

lets use this funds to develop and protect all, our open spaces, provide solar lighting to playgrounds and gardens .... and lets proudly name all after our great king

Maharashtra Government is more people friendly and intelligent. Shivaji Maharaj was also more concerned about his people and development. We all respect him for his thoughts. let it reflect in our actions too. Spend the money for the education and health of poor.

Certainly...Shivaji himself would be against this ostentatious waste of money....

Go ahead ...fight it

If this whopping amount of 350 crores is used somewhere else to improve the health facilities,education and infrastructure of the state then that will be the true homage to the great king and warrior

Rs.350cr just fr a statue..nt justified..can b used for better purposes

Agreed! This money can be used in a better way.

let\'s not do a Mayawati with the statue craze... let\'s live teh spirit of the great warrior who wanted a glorious maharashtra...

pls respect the Goddess Lakshmi and let us spend money for a varied other reasons.we have a lot of respect for shivaji Maharaj.lets make drama,cinema,write articles on him.not statues which will have only pigeohshit in plenty on him. and his horse of course.

I totally agree with this. Its quite obvious that the infrastructure in our country is not upto the mark. Our roads are pathetic; the condition in which government hospitals are maintained are despicable.. Its high time they concentrated more on the country\'s benefit than try to make fancy architectures...

I agree and appreciate this step to spend the same money for the under-priveleged. Please consider the suggestion. Thanks

I totally concur with the view shared by Vishal. All the money can be used for building schools, colleges, hospitals, old-age homes and so on..There is a long list of necessary infrastructure that is required not just in Mumbai but in other cities like Delhi as well.

Pls help the drought affected states which is more important and necessary

I agree

Aur bhi gham hain zamaane mein, history ke siva

Whether drought or not, I don\'t think a statue with this huge amount spent on its erection, will be helpful in any other way except attracting a huge maintanance cost later on, as well as harming the marine species. Let\'s try to fulfill Shivaji Maharaj\'s dream in his own way and not by anybody else\'s whims and fancies. Great king like Shivaji maharaj doesn\'t require an acknowledgement like this, but a great state with happy and healthy citizens.

Of course! Just what we need! A STATUE! That will solve everything. How come none of us noticed that before? And imagine how many people will stand to earn a little money in these days of terrible recession - the statue maker...the guys in the PWD department...the Mantralaya officials...from all the kickbacks this will generate. Are we going to be so heartless as to deny them that? Come on guys!

It\'s our hard earned money and should be used for the betterment of downtrodden. To fulfill hunger, cloth and shelter for the needy people. We are not here to challenge America, building statue bigger than Liberty. Yes the fund surely can settle fewer needy Indians.

i totally agree with the view shared by vishal.the amount which is going to be used is of citizens of india...and i beleive that this money should be used for the betterment of the citizens and not just wasting it over to make some statue.i beleive that great shivaji maharaj would also be happy if this money is used for the betterment of the citizens.india still lacks many things from electricity ,watersupply to a better infrastructure.thus,this money shuold not go waste and should be used for a better purpose.

Change we NEED to believe in.

let the hard-earned money of MUMBAIKARS be spent wisely.thank you,Mr.Vishal Dadlani for taking another wise and wonderful initiative!

Hi ! Friends, I dunno, why we all forget that before being a Mumbaikar, we all are INDIANS, or rather, before being an INDIAN too, we\'re HUMAN BEINGS...!!! With all due respects to Shivaji Maharaj, who certainly was a Great warrior and is considered next to God to Mumbaikars, we are not to forget, we haven\'t seen god, but we\'ve just seen all the ill effects of Drought, Terrorism, Unemployment, Less or No Education in Villages, poverty, and loads of other serious issues which are constantly making our country loose the place which INDIA TRUELY DESERVES - THE BEST DEVELOPING COUNTRY in the WORLD. Comeon guys, think about humanity first, think about education, infrastructure, agriculture first ???????? AREN\'T THEY MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THAN MAKING AN IDOL, Even if its making an idol of the almighty himself ??????? As already said earlier, I\'m a PROUD HUMAN BEING FIRST then a PROUD INDIAN & then a PAKKA PROUD MUMBAIKAR, I truely believe, rather than spending money lavishly, government should think about COUNTRY\'S PROSPECTS AND OVER AND ABOVE, SAVING LIVES EFFECTED DUE TO UNFORSEEN AND UNAVOIDABLE CIRCUMSTANCES... May God Save India from Such Decision Makers, who think, RELIGION is OVER HUMANITY...!!!!!!!!! God Bless

hiiii!

Please don\'t do this with the taxes that people pay. And we don\'t want to emulate anybody. We\'re good in what we are!

i think government not remebering issues happening on statues like some idiots place garlands of shoes on the statues or throw garbage on the statues resulting to riots in the city sometimes in the country. i\'m with u vishal u r doing a great job keep it up.

Yes

This needs to stop. There are worse issues that need to be addressed. Plus the government isn\'t even been able to maintain the current heritage sites/tourist spots properly.

Yes!! the money must be channelized in a productive manner towards Education, Infrastructure etc

Excellent initiative! The spirit of the PIL is felt unanimously. We are all with you, Vishal!

I completely agree with Mr. Vishal Dadlani. Its good to remember great people like Shivaji Maharaj but its far more important that the people are happy and have their basic needs in place. Shivaji Maharaj was a man who lived for his peolple and their well being and if we wish to pay him respect we should look into the benifits of our people.

Hi fellow Indians... I completely agree to the thought and would request not only to put an end to this issue but also what\'s happening in UP.

First think of repairing the roads which are full of holes...may accident happen becoz of that....then think of building new statues.....

I agree

thank you, Vishal Dadlani for taking this step and trying to bring some sense to this irresponsible, unreasonable and wasteful proposal. we\'re with you on this one all the way...

THE GOVERNMENT CAN DO SO MUCH WITH RS. 350 CRORES, THERE ARE SO MANY CRISIS GOING ON IN THE STATE WHICH NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION RATHER THAN WASTING TIME AND MONEY ON MEMORABLE. I RESPECT SHIVAJI AND WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR OUR FREEDOM, EVEN HE WOULD BE HAPPY IF WE SPEND THE AMOUNT AND TIME ON DEVELOPING OUR STATE WHICH IS GOING FROM BAD TO WORSE. I REALLY WISH AND REALLY HOPE OUR VOICES ARE HEARD BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT AND WE COULD STOP THIS. PLEASE DONT WASTE PEOPLES HARD EARNED MONEY THIS WAY.

those 370 crores could save the lives of millions of starving citizens,lives of people dying of multitudes of disease, to help in our energy crisis, to save our precarious agriculture..just a few examples to be quoted. ask a rikshaw pullers who works like an ass to earn just 20-50 bucks a day to fill the stomach of his family what 370 cr mean!!!

\"There r so many more important issues that needs attention and urgent action... Our govt needs to feed the basic needs than wastin funds on a useless STATUE...\"

I truly agree with u and support u...!

there are so many other things that need attention than Shivajis statue...... help them...ignorance is bliss not just sometimes.....

I totally agree with Vishal and millions of other Mumbaites and support them!

this funds can be used to restore the forts made by the great maratha king , most of them are in a very bad shape. one feels like crying when u see this historic remains. get them back in shape so that the state can make good amounts from tourism and the locals in the vicinity of this forts will get employment. and guys please think beyond Mumbai also . \"Jai Bhavani Jai Shivaji Hara hara Mahadev\"

The Govt. can surely do better. With all due respect to Shivaji,I believe there are a lot of other pressing concerns like poverty,unemployment,etc . which can benefit from this money.

It\'s my dad\'s money that yer using.

whom so ever has made this petition, it\'s very true...many thanks!!!

WASTE of money....help the poor with the money what are u gonna do with the statue in the ocean of Rs.350 Crores....whats the need

Totally agree with you. The money could be well spent on so many other urgent necessities for the drought ridden areas.

Government has to get its priority right its like living in the dark ages..shortage of water..electricity cuts..bad roads..no security...supporting the right things are important and we must fight for our rights..

thanx vishal 4 initiating......v r definitely with u....

Gr8 enlightment ppl...thnks nikhil 4 spreadin on d msg

When the governement already knows there are drought talukas and districts and before this scenario also people are suffering with hunger and faarmers and literally dying and suiciding, how can they think of this it has to be stopped, Is the \"thackeray family\" sleeping now or part of this huge scam and earning to happen is near future, people the entire project is 11,000 crores its a copy of the Statue of liberty in New York, USA all the best and hope tp stop this wishes and luck !!! Our money should not be wasted like this infact make use for the needy and who are hungry Globalized India today also many do not have energy and water, it yet a dream for them and education as well How about the health improvements as well Think people !!!!

I support this petition. The state should really think about giving a go ahead for such a huge expenditure, when other most basic things are ignored. There is really no point in just investing so much in a status, when this could be used for betterment of many other long pending issues. Also in GENERAL, I strongly feel that the citizens must have a say in how the money is being spent by the government. There should be such a law to prevent the corrupt government officials from scamming up huge amounts of public money into their own pocket in the name of many silly construction projects.

we are with you !!!

Our state govt wants to build a statue which will compete with statue of liberty(this was said by our CM himself),what sense does it make to spend taxpayers money on such kind of nonsense when our farmers are committing suicide.

I support this petition!

I totally agree with it... v need to 1st fulfill the needs of people n then go or building statues/memorial..yday only the WR trains were delayed they can use the funds to smoothen the transportation which is the life of mumbai... its our money tht they collect by way of taxes n they should take a suggestion from the public..lets make a vote out n c whts necessary the memorials or the other needs... Thanks Vishal for taking such a petition n showing wht a true MUMBAIKAR needs...

If Government has Rs 350 crs, and if they want to invest in Mumbai , let this money go to improve roads, building drains , erecting flyovers, planting trees, improving tranport system and other infrastructure relates issues. If any want to truly give respect , give respect to one own home , own city , Amchi Mumbai. Let us help all political parties rise abhove party lines.

If Government has Rs 350 crs, and if they want to invest in Mumbai , let this money go to improve roads, building drains , erecting flyovers, planting trees, improving tranport system and other infrastructure relates issues. If any want to truly give respect , give respect to one own home , own city , Amchi Mumbai. Let us help all political parties rise abhove party lines.

Go Vishal !

I too Support this petition. Thanks alot Vishal for initiating this. Would also request all to take this drive across the country for example like Statutes across Uttar Pradesh etc.

pls,save our planet.....pls don\'t do it.it\'s our world.

I think at this point, it is important for us to conserve our resources (both natural and material) to the best of our abilities, in order for them to be used most efficiently. There are quite a few urgent causes that could utilize this funds, and I think it would be better to tend to these causes, rather than using them on mere asthetic and sentimental additions to the city, which already is very grateful of the achievements and great deeds of the noble Shivaji Maharaj. In his honour, why not use these funds to help out the needy instead.

Totally in support of this PIL .. The govt. should spend money on solving real problems rather than on show-off.

\"Be the change you wish to see in the world.\" ~M. Gandhi

shivaji was a king with a never die spirit....i appreciate that...but instead of building a statue in d ocean...d god forsaken govt. shud give one more freakin public holiday yaar..........!!!atleast v will remember him...instaed of seeing d freaking statue nd cursing d money v gave as tax!!

This is just another display by the political leaders of our state trying to show utter disregard to the many on-going issues in the state and instead try to strut like a peacock saying they added another thing in the name of Shivaji.I mean they have the airport and the Main train station already named after Shivaji so is this thing really necessary????

Such a criminal waste of money and other resources

Everyday thousands dont even have proper food to eat forget basic amenities like a sanitation and healt care; but still the government has the audacity to go ahead with was wasteful activities, pls everyone encourage others to sign this petition pls dont bring shame to the greatest democracy in the world by allowing such wasteful activities.

I completely agree with each and every point mentioned in the above petition. Erecting the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji in the midst of the ocean is nothing but wasteful spending of precious public resources. Instead the Govt. of Maharashtra can use the same money for other purposes, which would help in sorting out major issues atleast to certain extent.

thats gr8. good goin vishal.. we strongly need to team up against this misuse of money.. shivaji maharaj was a historic king for sure but i dont think he wld hav wanted this to happen, when there are many other issues for concern. firstly the drought affected areas should be provided sufficient funds, secondly the below poverty line people need to be taken care of.. medical needs, food, infrastructure , affordable homes... lets first pay attention to these matters .. save the country guys.. its tym for change.

Absolutely true. There are many, many priorities that have to come ahead of the statue. There are countless poor people to feed, children to educate, roads to build, power lines and plants to construct. I think that whoever has suggested this idea of building the statue should be publically humiliated.

yes its true, Government should do something for Maharashtra farmers,orphans, poor people. Shivaji is in the heart of everyone, we respect him nd his great work for Maharashtra but at this time Maharashtra is facing lots of problems which needs fund to solve. So it will b better if they use these funds to open an orphans home or farmers development program or for ny social activity in the name of Chhtrapati Shivaji

10 acres being reclaimed for this project!!!??? Bloody shame!!

In times of economic crisis (or otherwise), the need of the hour is to make sure that the state budget is invested in the higher priority areas such as security, health, education, infrastructure, population management etc. As a matter of fact, this PIL (if passed) should also be considered as a landmark judgement against investing state budget into anything that is not perceived to be within the scope of the public usability. If at all anything of this sort is planned then it should be passed by a consortium of a citizen body (elected by the honorary court consisting of eminent and successful personalities from all walks of administration). Being based out of the country my support goes all out for this noble cause.

Its Absurd....350 crores?!?!?!?!?!

well said

Don\'t know, when the Govts. will understand ??

Simple things are made political and thus the needy never gets the slightest comfort s/he deserves. It\'s not only a matter of statue or Maharastra, it is happening all over the India and we need to stop it. Full support to you Vishal.

Unnecessary expense.. live for the future and not glorifying the past.

yes we deserve more! for christ sake we are India\'s Financial capital, we need to have better use of our Taxes!

The proposed budget for a lifeless statue could be put to far better use. Civic amenities in Mumbai are among the worst in the world, poverty is rife and there\'s a host of other socio-economic issues that should be addressed but languish for the lack of funds.

You probably made a mistake?

I feel this might be a political gimmick to appease their vote bank. Frankly, it is appalling to even consider building this ginormous statue in the middle of the poorest monsoon for quite a while now. I am not against building of statues, build them. But please avoid such flamboyance, and think about farmers in Vidarbha or for that matter, the malnourished children barely a few kilometers away from Mumbai.

While we are at it, lets try & stop the politicians from building any statues of \"great leaders\" like Sonia, Rajiv, Indira, Nehru, gandhi, mayawati etc.They are all simply wasteful expenditures, or rather means for the politicians to get kickbacks.

LOOK AFTER THE LIVING RATHER THEN THE DEAD,ITS THE LIVING WHO MAKE TODAYS GOVT.THE DEAD ARE ONLY AN INSPIRATION AND I DON\'T THINK AN INSPIRATION NEED THE POMP AND SHOW

I heard this petition on radio in the evening and felt that this is one cause that even i want to stand for - in fact we all should.

Statue is not the PRIORITY NOW. This SMALL change could make ALOT differnece for Maharashtra and its people.

I just heard this on MTV! There should be a way to issue a showcause notice to the government on such activities. Why to waste the money on statues when they can\'t feed the poor? And after 3-4 years somebody will bring it down like they did in Iraq!

If this statue will be iconic like the Statue of Liberty, with tourist being able to visit the island, ferries to take visitors across then it might a good investment. Otherwise it is just ostentatious grandstanding by politicians playing to their vote bank, not to mention all the contractors who will be lining their pockets. They should make it official for our politicians to make money on every mouth that is fed, every body that is clothed and every family that is housed. If money is the only language they understand, then we should make sure they make it while they serve the greater good

Grwat initiative! I think a similar one should be started to stop Mayawati building her millionth statue in UP

We might just as well dump 350 crores into the sea & be done with it. Desperate farmers are suicidal whilst we play the fiddle.

Amazing, I hope this Initiative is successful. Lets make Mumbai a better place to live in, and create the statues later.

lets pay homage to the living, not the dead.

I would agree as the city know to be the financial capital needs other infrastructure to be repaired and developed which otherwise bring utter disgrace to the city... We all know how the proposed plan of worli sea link supposedly to cost couple of hundred crores shot upto thousands of crores and 10 years to built making it to be nothing but just a bitter eye candy... Will they be able to built a statue in sea when mumbai roads cant stand mere low fall rainy season... Govt wants to built something for tourist than raise the standard of infrastructure for the people who actually contribute the funds... Its our money which is being used and we\'ve the right to use it for our benefit than let others decide... We\'ve the right to decide whats good for our home than being forced to accept what others want..

This is a very good initiative and I pray for its success.

This is so unbeleivable...

This is a much needed initiative. As a country we cant spend tax payers money for such things. Instead of that if the money is used in upping the infrastructure of Mumbai, maybe it will attract more tourists and business\'s.

This is one of the most stupid thing if this happens.We don\'t have money for Security of Mumbai than why they want to spend our hard earned Tax money???????????????

I would like to help out with the PIL in any way possible. Please do let me know what I may do.

we are with u

Altough I am not a Mumbaikar, I still believe on the basic fact, that Rajas are made for the Prajas & not th viceversa. We should think first , if something new adds benifit to the citizens of the nation !! If no, then that Plan should be of least priority to the Govt. More so, in a nation like India & state like Maharashtra which is already short of funds in providing amenities to the people in general...

If this money is to be spent, lets have a competition and design something that has in part a memorial and in part civic / public spaces.

The emotion is equivocally shared. It is embarrassing to represent an exaggerated quotient of vanity over a low quotient of livelihood and existence.

I believe that if Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was alive today, he would have never let this happen. The only and true way of paying tribute to this great and able king in these conditions is by using the public funds in the welfare of the state and its people.

This money should be spent on better infrastructure, policy makers of this city should be made to visit delhi, no doubt delhi is also flawed but its way ahead of mumbai

Take care of drought and lives first. Statues and other lofty pedestals can be erected next year.

Though I stay in Delhi, I equally love Mumbai for its spirit. Whenever we talk of development, there is also shortage of funds, so why not use the money for the development of the city to make it a better place for all citizens.

These funds are meant for the people who are alive and and not for the people who are dead! Even the great Shivaji who have disapproved of this. It is just another way to fill up ugly politician\'s pockets!!

the money is for the people. Nobody has the right to use it for any other cause!!!

Let\'s get this going!

There are many other monuments which are in bad condition funds can be provided for that after clearing all the debts and taking care of the draught condition. This kind of stupidity only Indian politicians can think of.

\" There are better to spend the money than this , & again charge the masses to see it . Better way still why not make the corporate biggies to fund this , if this is so important .

This is totaly not required. and moreover using our money !!!

Please don’t go the Mayawati way.

\"India’s history can be appreciated and respected in many other ways than what is sought to be done. The Government needs to seriously wake up and utilise the funds available in a more productive way!”

nobody needs this...not the dead nor the living, and the view is great - just the way it is. improvement

May good sense prevail over our politicians even it takes time.

\" You can use to 350 cr in a good way such as to develop the roads, to increase the train services to the suburban areas,etc. I am very much concern about the sea life which will get affected due to the concrete structure in their natural habitat. Thanks for giving this option to express our views\"

We are with you. Yamini

comletely with you vishal ,we already have shown our respect towards shivaji maharaj.

Rs. 350 crore is a humongous amount to be spent on anything. Shiviji Maharaj was a great man but we need not spend this hard-earned taxpayers money on him Lets improve our pathetic infrastructure and improve the state of our Vidharba agrarian brothers with this money.

I Agree and am in full support

I totally agree with Vishal and would urge all fellow Mumbaikars to stand up for this cause. Jai Maharashtra!

As mentioned by Mr Dadlani, I\'ve huge respect for Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj but spending Rs 350 crores at this point of time when the city has just come out of recession, people are still looking for jobs, traffic problems, issues regarding local trains, farmers issues at upcountry locations etc I think if we have that kind of money we should utilise it to improve infrastructure, help drought hit farmers etc After all its the tax paid by hard working individuals like us. I completely agree with Mr Vishal M Dadlani. Regards, Tanmoy Adak

I completely agree with Vishal. Lets hope this people\'s movement results into serious introspection in all such matters

Shivaji Maharaj will always be an icon in history. We do not need to build a statue to remember his greatness. Lets improve the infrasructure in Maharashra ans provide relief in drought prone regions rather than spend this amount on a statue.

This is utter NONSENSE!!!

I totall agree against such sort of state antics where crores of rupees are just wasted, which otherwise could be used more productively.

You can actually give 1 lakh rupees to a whopping 35 thousand farmers!!!! which makes it 350 crores. all we need is some accountability that the money reached those ppl!!

These funds should be better allocated to many other good causes.

Agree completely!

Please use the money for the welfare and good cause.

I agree with Priyank ....

am sure Shivaji would have preferred using these funds for development of his people rather than wasting it on building statues This is nothing but political gimmick for garnering more votes.When will our politicials rise above their selfish issues

Do monuments signify that we remember the dead or pay homage to them. In my mind they are proposetorus representation of bankrupt minds who tend to display rather than follow the teachings of great man. All great man are humble and a monument of this sort is not a homage but a disgrace to them

I support the petition completely. While we cherish our past and our leaders, please lets prioritise our expenditure towards those who need it most - the farmers, the marginalised, teachers, soldiers and so many disempowered groups.

I agree, if our government have extra cash please spend it on something which will benefit the citizens of maharashtra, and we all love shivaji, if we dont make his monument it wont be disrespecting me, he being a great king would also made a wise decision for his people and not by making his monument.

We have a lot of causes which should get priority for utilising the Rs 350 crores......

true.. we really need better than short-sighted, petty-minded politicians..

- The amount could be reposited with Mr. Nandan Nilekani, who could use it for the unique id project. - Investing the money towards development of a classic mode of commuting such as the metro could reduce substantially the crowd and accidents occuring whilst travelling in the Mumbai local trains. - A portion of the amount could also be allocated to rain water harvesting, given the fact that we had extremely minimal rain this season. - Probably the soul of Shivaji Maharaj would be a happier if the amount is spent in restoring the forts he captured - Opportunities are galore for intelligent use of INR 3.5 billion. Merely aping the concept of Statue of Liberty would not make Mumbai into New York.

Vishal Bhai! There is no doubt that this is a huge waste of money! Money that can be used in community projects as you have mentioned...how about a charitable hospital, a decent one, which sees poor patients free of charge or for very less fees named after Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj? I think that would bring much more honor to his name than a colosol statue which has no purpose...just my thoughts...Very well written petition Vishal Bhai. I am inspired and want to do something!

We definitely do NOT need ANOTHER monument.

I support this because there is so much more that needs to be done in India. It is ridiculous to built such a thing taking funds from public and building something like this...in a developed country where all the other development has happened this can be justified but not in India

Very true and I am against the unnecessary expense of Rs. 350 crores to wards building up the statue of Shivaji. Even Chhatrapati Shivaji would agree to spend such a huge amount towards fighting out drought and necessary amenities that state of Maharashtra would require. I strongly recommend to use the amount towards the welfare of the poor and the destitutes.

Get the infrastructure fixed and once all that is done we can spend on creating statues

Jai Hind

Jai Hind

Jai hind...Jai Maharastra

It would be better to start a scheme for the betterment of poor people with the name of \"Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj\". This can be treated as a thing in memory of Maharaj, as well as public\'s money would be used for some noble cause.

I think we can use the same amount of money in the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by opening schools, colleges, hospitals, etc. ! JAAGO RE !

If all the citizens of India wake up and take stand like Vishal, then India will be prosperous in no time. Thanks Vishal !

There are millions of children without access to proper food or education in Maharashtra for whom such money could be used.

with the present likely drought condition we need to seriously use the money to help the uplift the economy of maharashtra

I am a school teacher and battle with the appalling condition of under-resourced schools daily. Please do not waste money on monuments, spend it on primary education.

i completely agree with vishal ,another point is that statue is going to built in sea which also laid to water pollution which rates already high in the Arabian sea. pls think about poor sea creatures

Please open a trust fund for the needy in the country and name it the Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Trust Fund.

This money can go to all needy and someone alive than to someone who lives no longer accept in our memories,History books and someone who fought for the rights of people. So please use the money for people

i agree whatever u have mentioned.....as it is logical.

we need to utilize these money for development of the society. their are other ways to show your respect towards such personalities by following their ideology. also we should protest similar things happening in uttar pradesh. this is totally waste of hard earned money of common indians.

Here you have a very merry

this is what is INDIA all about ,we have people dying of hunger , lack of rain. And these politician are busy making Idols. Great Shivaji must be sad with this.Not only in Maharastra , in other states same things are going on. Our money , resources are being spent in such way is not good for us. Vishal thanks for this..........AT LEAST we can speak & write.....

I ask you politicians to actually go out of the comfort of their homes and look at what the city really needs rather than luxuries that can wait for another decade or two when we do become a superpower.

350 crores is just an initial estimate .Till the time the structure is complted the cost would have really gone up . This money can be utilised for better purposes for the society/people on infrastruture , fighting current drought scenario etc. The proposed expenditure on a stute is just a waste that is being carried out to woo the voters before the elections .The same money should be used for civil welfare .

350 crores to improve tourism ? How about redeveloping Bombay ? How can the government decide to spend 350 crores of our tax money without taking our opinion ?

we need to forward this mail to everyone possible

I feel its criminal we give taxes to our beloved government for such wasteful spending when there is so much poverty around and the infrastructure is pathetic. most of us have to travel like animals in jam packed trains and here we are spending so much money on a single statue

Why not set up a scholarship scheme for the poor or a tutorial scholarship for the poor in Shivaji\'s name? The Nehru-Gandhi clan as appropriated all big schemes; why not a unique scheme for the poor in Shivaji\'s name. Even if there is pilferage, lots of people will be stealing for years. With a statue, you can steal only once!

^_^

I think the authorities wanting to erect the statue should empty out their own pockets before using the citizens\' hard earned money

All this is political propaganda nothing else. We have no need of statues like Shivaji Maharaj or Bba sahib Bhimraw Ambedakar. I really respect these great personalities and their work from my soul. But I think this not the right way to show our respect by making statues instead of using this huge amount of money for human welfare.

Though I mean no disrespect to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, I believe there are many real issues today that need urgent care and attention. When so many poor people and children are dying with lack of food and live on the streets, only rags to cover their frame of skeleton, does the government really think these are issues that can be handled later? How can you people be so callous as to even think of spending all our hard-earned tax money on a memorial when there are so many real people dying everyday. This is definitely not why you were elected by us.....

Spend that money on the drainage system coz we hate water logging.

Honestly why are the people of Maharashtra forever denied basic needs? Will the presence of a statue of a past great king provide the state an avenue for enhancing the quality of life or improve the security of our coast line or increase literacy levels or bring justice to the women who are constantly facing rapes/ molestation/dowry deaths/lack of facilities or give the common man a respite from his daily battles of providing his family two decent meals or reduce the debts of the farmers who seek self anhilation as the only respite or curb incidents of diseases or improve the medical facilities or ... Finally how many of the tax payers need to work harder to fill the government coffers which will be used to make another statue? When will living people be given priority over historical legends... History is the past and we rever those who made it... why must we become history even before we can experience our present?

Agree in entirety

Please listen to the common man...they are the ones who have built our city...our country. The most they can do is voice their opinion...and the most you can do is respect their opinions..

I agree with all the other options put forth as better use of money from providing money to build schools, shelters to scholarships. If people really care about reminding Shivaji\'s legacy then why not invest in Maharashtra\'s future in his name.

Use th money for better India - Not for monuments.

Shivaji is an eternal symbol of courage and dedication for leading citizens of his land to an independent and self righteous life free of slavish concerns like fame and fortune. His name and legacy lie in creating such a state in Maharastra that the name \"the great nation / land\" is realised. Today\'s corruption and capitalism is what goes against his ideals... no point in making an idol when you do not wish to follow his thoughts, beliefs and cannot carry his legacy. Politicians are taking easy way out to create a hang out for pigeons and to earn brownie points. I would ask them to actually think of Shivaji\'s ruling policies and adapt them rather than find ways of spending public\'s hard earned tax money

\"Wow,so another another statue to commemorate the past\"!! I think it\'s about time the so called \'Leaders\' realize that they are no less than any of the great people that lived to strive for the better of humanity and that they must utilize the power they\'ve received from \'Indian Citizens (the powerfully common yet quiet people)with a global vision to the betterment of society!! In short stop living in your past by satisfying your current Ego (We get the point,we aren\'t dumb you know!);Rather see that the children of today \'MUST\' have a better tomorrow!\"Stop playing (better left to the kids) and start acting like responsible \'HUMAN BEINGS\'

Hi As somebody pointed out in a situation like drought & when priorities should be towards food , water & shelter, its a Big amount being spent, please dont let yourself & us down Sabir

what is this .. here in india many of people sleep hungry .. & somewhere money is wasting .. agar aisa kuch karna hi hai to pahle des ke stithi ke bare me socho.. agar desh me jis di ek bhi bhukha naho aur sabhi sukhi ho to banate rahana ..tab 3.5 arab kyon 100 arab ki bana yaar.. par pahle kuch socho..

Totally Agree...!!!

This will really have lot of side affects... like lot of water will spilt in...

I think there are a million better ways of using that money rather building something like a statue. He is revered enough in the state right now. AM sure nothing will make him feel better than the betterment of the people that he loves.

WTF! Politicians please put people\'s money to a better use...

We have to start thinking beyond Shivaji and think better than having statues. Lets not go the Mayawati way and install statues which pigeons use as a nice resting place. There are people dying for basics and we can do with more hospitals, better roads and schools. Let better sense prevail soon amongst the so-called administrators!!!!

Please help us believe that our country is not run by a bunch of mindless theiving idiots. I\'m sure the people involved are only doing this so that they can pocket a huge chunk of the funds.

Though i am dead against putting statue of anyone and the one like this which would cost crores of taxpayer\'s money, i would support statues of following- 1. a Vidharbha farmer hanging from a noose. 2. a Mumbaikar falling from a local train on tracks. 3. a patient dying from swine flu due to lack of testing & treatment facilities. 4. charred body of a person killed in innumerable Mumbai attacks. 5. the best one - of Ajmal Kasab pointing to TAJ , indicating our leaders\'s impotency .

This is absolutely ridiculous. We dont need statues to remind us of the contribution of great people who have shaped our history. We stay indebted to them, but in our thoughts, spirit and virtue... not by sculpted busts, not even by re-christened street names...

Invest in A new Sea Link from Hazi Ali to Nariman Point...

Another petty attempt to win over communal votes. I guess the politicians should use tht money to educate themselves on how to rightfully use rather than waste crores of rupees. Whats even worse is the beauty of the shoreline that will get ruined.

the money required to build this statue should be used for the welfare of society and our country...............

Fully agree. Better use funds for live people who are suffering and bearing the brunt.

Spend that money on infrastructure

Would Chhatrapati Shivaji have approved of something like this? I seriously doubt. As this petition says, go ahead, name the other much-needed projects in his memory, but please let those be projects that are essential, that are really needed.

Ridiculous is not the word for such a foolish proposal to have a Statue in the ocean. No dis-respect to the Maratha Hero Shivaji though. 350 Crores is no joke. I see a lot of us tax payers losing money on things like this. Instead use this money to clean up this stinking city. When the seas came on the roads more than water spilling on our roads we had sewage. Use that same money to help those in real need. A city/country is not determined just by its beauty and high rise buildings but by it\'s ability to help itself become a better place. I\'m not proud to say this but our city/country is being run real LOSERS...

I agree completely, we all feel for the poverty ridden farmers in our state, the money will be better spent towards an irrigation project. We realise it wont be sufficient but it will be a handsome start.

Mumbai needs to change.. it needs money.. but not in this way.. push this money to the never enving road and rail projects.. make them actually happen \"Faster\"

Jai Maharashtra

This statue is not fooling anybody ! We exist in a state with more problems than I dare to mention, please let us not celebrate them with an exorbitant display of false well being.

And one against Mayawati\'s Government too

no wonder our politicians are at sea! Let\'s do something that helps the problem on ground, let\'s do something that makes Maharashtra, \'Maha Rashtra\'! Jai Hind (a south-indian from Delhi, staying in Mumbai).

I think we need to stop politicians (and all involved) from trying their level best to reach out to the sentiments of the common man by such stupid ideas, in the name of a few more votes. It\'s time they stop being media wh*res and start using our god damn taxes for our benefit.

No Statue Needed !!!! Idhar saala aadmi ko rehne ke liye jagah nahi hai aur yeh pagal log, paani mein jaake Ghoda khada karne ka planning mein lage hai... all nonsense... I STRONGLY OPPOSE this idea of having a statue worth this amount.

Work and use the money instead towards educating the masses...only then can poverty be eradicated as each one makes him/her self sufficient... Use it instead to house the homeless rather than encouraging encroachment on government property... The list can go on...

Please STOP this unjustice, We failed to STOP Mayawati in UP, But I think this is possible in Mumbai. Hope you Understand.

Politicians should channel’s national resource in good fruitful things like, Free Education for Children .

I agree with this petition. What use is a statue to the state? It doesn\'t feed or help anybody. There are so many people who are in dire need of money and if the govt can spend rs350 crore of our tax saving money then i would rather not pay taxes and donate the money to people who need it.

It\'s high time the politicians realise that such expenses on statue are a waste and the same money can be utilised for better development purpose.

please use the money wisely.....

I am in agreement with the petition. There are many other problem that needs to be addresed instead of creating the rsepected statute.

lets start looking beyond imagery...and strive to build something more fruitful

Tell those political hypocrites to improve the island city\'s infrastructure rather than spending on a dumb idol of no use.....

Nothing against Shivaji. But we have enough memorials for him. Do not need any more. Funds can be utilized more effectively elsewhere on projects in Mumbai especially infrastructure

Gr8 guns going. Hope we achieve the goal by being antiregional antics.

I support the petition.

We could all think of a billion things this city needs more than a statue! Where\'s the common sense gone? Why don\'t you spend 350 crores cleaning up garbage and fixing up some roads. We may actually vote for you then!

Our farmers in Vidharbha have suffered a lot. A big chunk of this Rs. 350 crore should go towards their betterment and importantly for the betterment of their produce. That is what Shivaji Maharaj would\'ve done instead of creating a huge statue of himself or his mentor.

Rs. 350 for a statue? Ludicrous. Vishal M. Dadlani, your words are kind and respectful. I mean I\'m all for commemorating Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj yet again. But enough.

Great ! Keep Moving!

i fully agree to the same

well good thinking ut what about the park in up no one complained about it...why was she left of the hook so easily...and above all she is using the funds to install her ons statue....

With no disrespect towards Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, I think there are many other ways for such money to be well spent. Like for decent facilities at shelters, rehabilitation centers and municipal hospitals etc..

Please let\'s use this money to improve our slum situation, our worsening crime situation or continue to invest this in infrastructure marvels like the sea link. Shivaji ji lives in our hearts as a legend, there is no need to construct a politicized statue.

Shivaji was the king who will first fith to save his own state/country. He would first look at the insfrastructure requirement for his praja. Net net he will first look for betterment of his state/country. Definitely he will never approve such kind of lavish expenses when his dear farmers are suicind due to draught & loans. If govet really want to do something that will give repsect to this great Raja, then they should solve out all the problems in country, make our nation that strong that no other country will dare to even stare at us....Salute to Shivaji Maharaj.

a literacy programme is essential and should be our first priority - a national health scheme is also urgently required; also, why not give our existing museums and library a makeover (one at a time, if they choose - would assume that would cost less) and plant a statue there?

I\'m agree. Please use the money for something that will help social development.

I agree. Please use the money for something that will help social development.

The government needs to be responsible towards its people and spend the peoples money on the betterment of the quality of the lives of its people and not on some silly statue. Important issues like healthcare, education, housing need to be addressed first.

lets use this money for the upliftment of the poor in the city and in the villages.

The city is in tatters. So much needs to be done to bring it up to the level of a world class city, infrastructurally, socially. And yet all the Government of Maharashtra can come up with is this? I don\'t mean to be disrespectful, but this is a disgrace.

Goverment should use such a big amount of money to improve our Defence Mechanisum not to built a statue...

I totally agree on the same. Please consider my support for this cause.

kindly take notice of the slums in mumbai & reach out your rich money filled pockets to them & help them instead!

How is the statue helpin the average mumbaikar or a Maharashtrian or even respecting the principles of the great Chatrapati, in any way? Where\'s the logic? The tax payers money can be put to better use?

pls save the farmers instead. put our tax money to good use. i\'m sure shivaji would\'ve preferred that too. son of the soil would\'ve wanted to better the lives of all those sons of the soil committing suicide out there coz they so debt ridden. no rain, no grain. help them b4 its too late!

Chhatrapati Shivaji himself would have destroyed this preposterous statue and the idiots who dreamt it up, if he could. He did not devote his life to the idea of freedom from tyrants only to leave behind a land struggling with poverty, illiteracy, corruption and uncleanliness. The obsequious construction of statues amounts to the perpetuation of a fake legacy - please honour and respect the true vision of Shivaji and improve the state first. Please, don\'t insult and demean Shivaji by putting his statue in the ocean when his beloved people suffer. And to the Congress Government of Maharashtra who conceptualized this political gimmick (to lure all those daft voters who believe Shivaji\'s statue is more important than their own well-being), I have one question - what have you been smoking?

Lets also try & ensure that the funds are used \'constructively\' & not for any other \'politically motivated indulgence\'. The last thing i want to see is money being given away to the poor just like that especially in light of the upcoming elections - Lets teach them how to fish & not merely feed them for a day!!!

Rs.350Cr is the figure now. It is sure to go up exponentially over the period of building this monument. We have a lot more things to spend on than this.

why is it that politicians cant see what a bunch of comman ppl can???? are they really this blind to neglect every single thing around us???

350 crore!!! wow!!! politicians are not responsible for this....we people are...for supporting them...

Why does every single monument/structure have to be named after one man? Was he the only one who has served the country/are the politicians\' memories very short that they cannot think beyond him?? Look at the terrible state of affairs that the so called financial capital is in after the name change from glorious Bombay to Mumbai. I wish that our powers that be spend their time, money and energies in ensuing that the financial capital of India is indeed what it promises to be.....show us the infrastructure/projects to prove to us that we are indeed moving into the 21st century and not back tracking into the 19th century!! Every single project is mired in controversies of naming issues, funding and what have you. This for a city that contributes more than 70% by way of taxes to the center?? What a shameful or deplorable state of affairs!! Every leader past and present worth his/her salt would turn in disgust when they see the present state of the city. I beseech the present day leaders to please restore the city to its formal glory and not get caught up in the vicious circle of corruption and fight for the chair

brainless future politicians!

- Please do not our seas. As it is we have done enough damamge to Mother nature.. - If you really wanted something in the middle of the sea, then go ahead and re-christen the Worli-Bandra sealink bridge... - Naming VT station and our international airport after Shivaji should have been for enough him..

It is not only the money, also it is not good for the environment to build a cement structure in the sea, using this money for the upliftment of the locals would be best

What a preposterous idea!!!

stray dogs r getting raped, minor girls are gettin gang raped, pot holes are increasing, accidents are increasing due to bad roads and workers are dying due to poor and cheap construction equipments, school chikren are dropping out due to bad education and physically abusive and incopetent teachers, more and more people are gettin into depression and committing suicide ..........and our \"so highy educated goonda politicians\" want to make a statue worth 35o cr of shivaji in the ocean!!!!!!!!! how about drowing all these politicians in the ocean??? ;0)

Couldn\'t agree more

ridiculous

Booooo to the government !!!

Vishal is right. This kind of Misuse of money should be protected in all parts of this country.

Yes, I am completely agreeing with vishal

Kudos! Couldn\'t agree more.

I hope the money is used for the better cause.India has far more graving issues like poverty and illiteracy than constructing statues in the sea. Don\'t these politicians have sense. Look at Mayawati, she got the statue of her ow+n constructed. Please put the money to a better cause.

i totally agree with vishal.

I don\'t think democratically elected governments should be putting up statues at all. A better idea would be to put up a wall/memorial with the names of the victims of the terrorist attacks, so that they will never be forgotten.

off late Mumbai has become the object of fancy for the politicians and their heirs. they can bring the entire mumbai life to stand still, Mumbai and mumbaikars have become their ancestoral property. Chatrapati Shivaji was a historical figure and we mean no disrespect to him. But would he ever like what is happening in Maharashtra where farmers dying, infrastructure is turning from bad to worse and worst even people like Mr. Thackrey have their entire political games behind his name. Please stop the politicians from making Bombay a private amusement park!!!

Melwyn, I definitely agree with the petition. We can use this fund to improve the infrastructure of the City or use this fund for something more meaningful. Dont follow the footsteps of Mayawati.....

Very aptly stated. What a waste of money !!

Everything that had to be noticed by our administrative body and the ones who dreamt of having the statue has been written down in brief in the note above...Please read it for your own sake..!!

What a stupid idea...!!! Huhh..!!

Being a tax paying citizen i refuse to allow my hard money being spent on this statue. yes I\'d rather see it better utilised on educating children, better facilities at govt. hospitals AND secure farmers who need them most right now!

A sattue in the middel of the ocean is NOT the need of the hour for Mumbai,Mubaiker,or Maharashtra

Brilliant stuff Vishal!

I am very happy that someone has taken the initiative to bring this up in court. Hopefully good sense will prevail over populist politics.

I totally agree, this is sheer waste of good money. Hope this helps in stopping. Good work Vishal.

I, Rishad B am strongly opposed to such a waste of money. put it to better use educate ppl, repair our roads, give the police better means to work with. do anything constructive

What good is a statue that glorifies ur past, when ur going through through trying times in ur present.

I agree with this petition. We do not need statues. We need medicines for swine flu, better hospitals, better roads, better security apparatus. Once the average Mumbaikar can live without the fear of disease - terrorism, etc. Thank you for this petition and making it available to us.

FOOLS RUSH IN WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD. WHEN MUMBAI\'S INFRASTRUCTURE IS IN SHAMBLES AND MILLIONS DO NOT EARCH 10 RS A DAY TO SPEND THIS COLOSSAL AMOUNT ON STATUTE IS NOT ONLY VAINGLORIOUS BUT DOWNRIGHT SINFUL. LET OUR NETAS LIVE FOR THE PRESENT AND NOT IN THE PAST

Surely a statue bigger than the Liberty statue would put spotlight on Mumbai but for a country/state with higher priorities like education or drought, 350 cr ould be better spent there. This will make Indians more happier than a 200ft + tall Shivaji statue! In fact the gov\'t should rather give out 180Rs. to each of Mumbai\'s 2crore population.

First the domestic airport....then Victoria Terminus...then the Prince of Wales museum....how far exactly do we plan to go to show our gratitude for Shri Shivaji? lets not spoil his memory or we may as well change the name of the state itself....

Our politicians are fiddling while Mumbai is suffering from mushrooming illegal shanties, hunger and poverty. When will they come down from their ivory towers to ground level.

plz grow up.......... there is famine and drought happening in our country.... plz use the money wisely !!

I agree with the petition. We do not need any more statues. Shivaji was a great king - but even he wouldn\'t approve this wasteful spending \"fizul kharchi\" - instead let\'s feed the hungry, educate the needy kids, improve health and sanitation as well as secure the coast.

The State is already in need of money for lot of infrastructural works going on. The government can\'t play like this to make something which is totally unecessry on the cost of Indias higest tax and taxes payers money. Even if they build this theme park , in a few years with no maintenance it will become a waste , like many such structures in mumbai..

Can\'t these people who are designated at such a responsible position look at the situation wisely ,each penny counts ,just calculate how may kids will get education,how much welfare for the people with such a amount ,plz don\'t do this,we dont need a statue.

Couldn\'t agree more - if we let them get away with these antics, very soon they would force naming every child born in Maharashtra shivaji. This is the Talibanisation of India, let this be my my vote against them.

If you really want to show respect to the Great King, follow his principles - welfare of the state is first, and then if there is surplus - use that to make Mumbai a truly developed city; please don\'t make us apologize about the pathetic roads, lack of public urinals, the dirty street corners, lack of drainage, lack of food for orphaned kids...do you think Shivaji would prioritize a statue of himself over basic amenities?

lets use that money for a rehab progs for Slum dwellers give dem education, invest d money in restartin some muncipality schools which are shut

This is very much needed. But I hope this turns out effective!!

Farmers are committing suicide in MAHARASHTRA because they cannot afford to pay off their debts. It makes no fiscal sense to spend so much on a statue when so many people in Maharashtra are in acute poverty. Not Bihar, not UP. Maharashtra. What are our politicians thinking?

I am all for such campaigns .... but are they effective? Especially in this case.... sorry for sounding pessimistic, but....

\"I truly hope this will bring a change.Who needs more statues? I read abt the BSF jawans who came to Mumbai to maintain law and order during ganpati visarjan.These guys come to help us n all our netas can think abt is a statue rather then thinking abt proper accomodation n food for them.....grow up.\"

I think everyone needs to wake up and get behind this petition.

\"stop this foolishness. this is brainwashing us with his name n memory\"

dont waste money on statues waste on farmers

No to massive statue, yes to saving lives.

\"pls dnt waste money on things like this. do something tht will make us respect u.rather then curse ourselves for voting u in the first place\"

We dont need to go Mayawati way! there r better ways to spend money!

It is not required to show our love for Shri Chatrapati Shivaji by making a statue. He was a king & for a king his people are more important than himself. Even he would have wanted that this money be used for poors & the Country\'s Infrastructure.

It is indeed very sad that the politicans forget what they had objected in the past and commit those same mistakes themself. One of the politicans making a election stunt had objected Sai Bhakts wish to see our Lord SHIRDI SAI BABA seated on the Golden throne as the amount of Rs.250 crores according to one dirty politician should be used for the upliftment of the poor. This statement of one politician was an election gimmic and a stunt. And now this same politician is suggesting to built or put up the world\'s biggest statue, bigger than statue of liberty costing Rs. 350 crores. Why then this politician had objected when the SAI bhakts were contributing for the Golden Throne, where as this statue of Great warrior Chhtrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue costing Rs.350 crores will be shelled out by the Government which ultimetly belongs to the poor people of Maharashta. let the Government not cheat the poor innocent people and waste the amount which could be surely used for the upliftment of the poor people. I demand a reply from the Government that, is any body bigger and greater than the Lord of the universe Sri SHIRDI SAI BABA. These are the same dirty politicans who go to SHIRDI SAI BABA to beg for their victory in the elections. It is really a shame on the part of the Government to use a huge amount of Rs.350 crores without the consent of their BOSSES the people of Maharashtra. It is certainly objectionable, as today this statue and tomorrow the other statue may be demanded for some freedom fighter by some other politician. What a shame that Bapu got us freedom from the slavery of Britishers but now the people of this country has become the slaves of the dirty babus, the Netas, the Politicians. They should hang their faces in shame for forgetting to respect their BOSSES, the citizens of this country. SAI BHAKT MANU GIDWANI

Let put that money on some thing more Constructive

Please stop this frivolous play and start spending on what counts. This statue does nothing for us compared to what this sum can be used for otherwise.

What a complete waste of the public\'s money!

We already have high fiscal deficits. We cannot afford this. India get ruined like America if we keep on doing such nonsense spending

There is no need of creating Statues in the ocean, this is simple wastage of Money. We have other economic issues to look in.

I think we should do these memorials only if we have the money after we have provided to all indians. I hope that everyone understands that much. He was a great king and he would want our country to be great in all respects so that he can stand in the sea with dignity.

Please stop this wastage of money and please use it wisely.

Please give us NRIs a reason to come back as indians and not tourists!!! We appreciate this memorial but feel a need for better roads and better police force as the nessicity of the the time

Serve the poor or do the needful to make Mumbai a world class city with that money, thus make His (The greatest King Ever) immortal in each and every corner of the world. His soul will be so much pleased, rather than making a new sheltor for Birds. Our Country needs Developement (In all aspects), Not statues. Don\'t make others luagh a us.Let us live in Pride.

Wow, this is ridiculous !!! With a level of poverty like India has, for our government to even think of spending so much on something like this, makes no sense at all. It makes us all look foolish for even voting in a Government like this.

Wow, this is ridiculous !!! With a level of poverty like India has, for our government to even think of spending so much on something like this, makes no sense at all. It makes us all look foolish for even voting in a Government like this.

infrastructure first!

Let\'s start building a future rather than thriving on the past.

Priorities should be set properly...

I approve of this message whole heartedly!

Kindly updrade lives of Rural Indian and Poors first and educate them. This would also help in maintaining City clean and hygenic and will not spread diseases and epidemic. Also Infrastructure needs to improve in Mumbai City drastically along with Traffic Discipline and Road Maintenance to improve lives of Mumbaiites who are unfortunately the highest Tax payers in India with low quality of Infrastructure.

Making a statue in the sea will not serve the purpose,this is like making a mockery of India,Instead our Govt should try to solve our Internal problems like Infrastuctures,Roads, Water supply Sanitation & Hygiene, making a statue & wasting money,trying to Ape Americans will not solve our problems.In this way the Politicians are trying to fill their coffers & making INDIA bankrupt.Serve the poor with that money,I would request all INDIANS to join this campaign & make it a success,Kudos to Vishal M Dadlani for taking such a great step....I am with you.......

How about spending 350 on a cleaner environment?

Very Good point raised by vishal dadlani, although i am not from Mumbai still i feel this expenditure can be saved and put into better use as mentioned above in the letter.

I would request all INDIANS to join this campaign & make it a success,Kudos to Vishal M Dadlani for taking such a great step....we are with you.......\"

Please dont

There are a host of other immediate needs other than the statue .... cant beleive this is even being considered

agree with Vishal completely

I strongly feel that this is a classic example of squandering money. It can be put to much better use if only we take the right initiative.

sindhi\'s should shut the fuck up. traders.

Thanks Vishal.

Spend money where it can generate jobs.

i wholeheartedly support ur cause...

you fuck head, get fuck out of maharashtra. if you make stupid statements, you will be slaughtered.

We should not spend money unecessarily on things like this when there are more grave causes like hunger, disaster management, safety of senior citizens, and women facing us.

Its a shame that there is money for building memories of great people who are no more but no one cares for the society and people who is still ALIVE and who needs the help and the standard to of living so that atleast we all as Indians can atleast reach the POVERTY LINE first - I\'m sure Shivaji would have done that first! 350 crores spent on statues is a proof of the ignorance of goodwill of masses and a fraud towards the people not only of the city, of the state, but of the country. I very strongly object to it.

Agreed. Lot more there that calls for our concern. Let\'s build a healthy India. No disrespect to the statue, but let\'s make our country be able to see that!

One more activity can be executed even if we use 2% of the estimated 350cr which cleaning up all Shivaji forts and make them trekking spots and do some of fort conservation.

Pls think about future before you spend money on anything!!! Invest in Old-Homages, or Blind Peoples or Cancer research.

I agree and offer my support.

I sincerely hope the \'voice is heard\'.

350cr spend wisely on infrastructure will fetch you good returns in the future rather than money spend on a statue that will simply be a tourist attraction spot. Is it so difficult to choose between the two????.....

EDUCATION and PROSPERITY for our people first !

could you please use that obscene amount of tax-payers money for something USEFUL? we\'re sick to death of statues that are meant for birds to shit on and not much else. thankyou, government.

Being an Indian we shuld not construct such statue in which we have to pay a big money while there are so many slum dwellers are living in the slum for them we have to think and this is a kind of poitics in which some one will earn money and so many will loose their money.

Kindly consider this and let us strengthen our belief of being citizens of a democratic country..

I would like to believe that the leaders we choose have better judgement and decision making power as to where and on what they spend our money on...signing with hopes for a better future..

Let\'s see. The buildings in Bombay need repair, since some collapsed due to lack of maintenance for decades. The roads in Bombay are jam-packed, bursting with traffic. The slums in Bombay are perpetually increasing, and making the city look uglier by the day. The water that touches the Bombay beaches is dirty. The buildings are going black due to \"moisture\". Terrorists are making their way into the country, and Bombay faced the wrath of it less than a year ago. Are you seriously telling us, that you have chosen to ignore all these issues, among many more, and want to make a bloody statue, which will serve no purpose?? Can you REALLY not see better use of the money?? Let me ask you, who is bribing you to make this? Because that\'s why the government is such a shameful excuse for democracy! I cannot believe, that the money we earn by our hardwork can even be considered to be thrown away on a useless statue, especially when our country is in such a bad state! And yet, it\'s the truth! Why is it that the brains of the people running our government are so consumed and absolutely, shamefully irrational? Where is your love for this city and for this country? Where is your concern for the people and social welfare? Such lies you tell us when you want your votes. It is so shameful that we even have this situation to resist. That the brains we elected have gone numb and useless!

With all due respect to all the emotions attached with the construction of the proposed memorial. I would like to ask our Govt, that when would we stop living in the past??? Our basic infrastructure sucks, we don\'t have no electricity, Poor are getting poorer, shortage of food, lack of education, etc, etc, etc... Do we not have enough problems on our platter already??? How can they even think of spending 350CR for such at project when the people do not have food to eat? Are we doing anything different from what we\'ve seen in UP a little while back? Pls give it a thought and do what\'s in the interest of the state and the nation. Sincerely, Gaurav Seth

well done....we all need to stand up to such atrocities

I support u Vishal as its the point of Rs.350 Crores. which is not there money its ours using this money they can do a lot make roads, help the orphan to get education, use it to get new technology in India for a lot of things which the world says we r behind in a big waste to put up money the respect should be in hearts not in statue as every other area in Mumbai is named after Shivaji & Amedkar also has its statues But how much do people respect them. I stand by ur Voice raise to use this money for a lot of other things.

With the cause.

That\'s our money you\'re talking about, here; and Mumbaikars know when they\'re being ripped off. Shivaji\'s got plenty of statues, highways, train terminuses, several years in history textbooks to bear his name and memory; he\'s really hard to miss. We on the other hand, have to endure roads that won\'t last the monsoon, trains that rattle like death-traps through some of the most horrific real-estate in the world, where Mumbaikars, unlike the privileged undersigned, have no access to clean drinking water. 30 districts in Maharashtra are reeling under a drought, so please, humbly, respectfully, don\'t shove a statue in our face. We don\'t want it. This isn\'t the time for jingoism far more extravagant than the paltry 350 cr estimate. We\'re sure Shivaji wouldn\'t take it personally.

!!!!

In addition to their sheer stupidity, the politicians in Mantralaya are probably okay with the statue because they won\'t be able to see the eyesore from their offices. We don\'t need this kind of foolishness while farmers are suffering and Bombay isn\'t protected from terrorists. Speaking of which, we could also use a little protection from whoever came up with the statue idea. What an idiot.

I cannot agree more.

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I thought mumbai had problems with their muncipal corporation funds and everything... but they always have funds for non-humanitarian acts and projects..

Why not spend that money to clean up the streets and help poor people?

All that money can definitely be used in a better manner...public bathrooms, cleaner and better roads...help the poor!

I hope common sense prevails in this matter

Please use our money in a better way.... time and again the government has proved their stupidity

signing on hope for better future

Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a truly great and able King. However, today more than his statues - the farmers need food. Please understand, politicians have to bring in a cultural change

There so many things of such kind on which our government spends needless amount of money.

If Shivaji were alive today he too would be ashamed of this wasteful expenditure in his name.

STOP USING PEOPLE\'S MONEY. USE IT FOR THE WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE IN NEED OF IT. WHAT BENEFIT DOES THE STATUE BRING TO BOMBAY.WHEN THE ROADS ARE FILLED WITH POTHOLES, DRAINS OVERFLOWING, TRAINS OVERCROWDED, FOOD PRICES INCREASING. TAKE CARE OF THESE THINGS FIRST THEN BEAUTIFYING THE CITY WITH THESE STATUES. IN BOMBAY WE HAVE ENOUGH OF THEM AT EVERY CORNER OF THE ROAD.

Do not waste public money. The same can be used for upliftment of our state.

The Great Maratha WWarrior himself would never have wanted something at such a mammoth cost. He would have preferred to use the monies for welfare and uplifment of the poor.Pls stop this crazy spends...and stop playing politics on the names of warriors.

You are so selfish State Government!! That\'s our money!! We would not mind at all if you spend this money on farmers, drought hit cities/states... In fact we would feel grateful just by the thought that this money is going in to some useful help!

State govt should think abt this that its money of people n shld be spent on people,in a way to help people n not show off. Similar step is being taken by UP CM MAYAWATI. She should also b stopped from WASTING the money of the people.

It is high time we the citizens raise our voices against the manner in which our representatives fritter away money collected from the citizens. There are various avenues where this huge sum of money could be gainfully utilised. Education, infrastructure, medical, handicapped citizens, senior citizens and th elist could go on. BUT NOT ON STATUES..

Without disrespecting Shivaji Maharaj whom we all respect & love, i think he himself a proude & able wouldn\'t have wanted that the people\'s money are used for making his statue & not for the proving basic needs & infrastructure to the poors. with so many concerns like draught, poverty, security, education, etc these money belong to the people of India & should be given to them in better & just way.

We need money to clean up Mumbai, construct more toilets and bathrooms for the poor. Also the issue of farmers committing suicides and crop failure is more serious than building statues. The money can be utilised for better purpose. Why don\'t the state government ministers meet people staying in slums who can give a first person account of the hardships they are facing in day to day activities and resolve them. Shivaji Maharaj was a great king and he himself lent an ear to each and every person in his kingdom no matter whether he was rich and poor. To serve people in his way shall help keep his memory alive rather than waste money on his statue.

i agree.

\" We could certainly do with more schools/ colleges, providing education at no cost in Rural Area where people lacking such facility. These could all be named in memory of Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj\"

We should spend the money to help drought hit regions.

There much more important things to do for our city than waste money on useless and not needed statues

I agree.. Its ridiculous to do so when there are some seriously grave issues to be addressed.

i agree to this, if it would have been Shivaji Maharaj instead of this govt i am sure he must have made sure that all the ppl in his kingdom are living with all the basic needs and infrastructure. And in n e case considering the govt. half the money is going to be misused at diff levels in the administration. So in the name of one of the greatest kings of India for once can the Govt. think of its people like the king himself thought of and use this money for the betterment of the common man. I am sure Shivaji Maharaj up there from heaven would certainly appreciate the same. hope the govt. is reading all this. regards AST

Shivaji was a just and able king. He was all for the poor. He, as a ruler would have declined such a proposal and used the money for the betterment and uplift of the needy.

I AGREE.This 350 crores is just the beginning,God knows how many more crores will be needed when this project actually starts,forget about the completion.If they really CARE FOR SHIVAJI then follow his PRINCIPLES,PATH AND DEDICATE THIS ENTIRE SUM FOR THE WELFARE OF THE FARMERS WHO ARE THE FOUNDATION OF OUR ECONOMY.

hey vishal go for it v r der wid u i think so this shud be stop infact u can invest the money in rural areas were they need to develop not by building a shivaji statue in middle of arabian sea waste of money time n this will affect to the aquatic living things also go with it we are there wid u vishal

I as a tax paying citizen do not want my money to be spent on non-economic expenses. Please let\'s not do to Maharashtra what Mayawati has done to UP

Stop spending tax-payers hard earned money on such things please.

This is absolutely uncalled for !!!!

Our administration has always been real gud@naming roads n buildin statues of gr8 men,time we STOPPED dis shit n got sum quality work done4 our country. U govt folks- u think gandhi/sivaji wud care of a silly statue/ road named after em. Admit it u want2 usurp da money using there silly propositions. I mean really- u suck dude

i don\'t see any beneit from it

Mumbai does not need such statues. Instead Utilize this fund for the ppor people specialily for farmere commiting Sucide

The govt has no business to waste our hard earned money, it can certainly be put to better use

I do not think this is goin to benefit Mumbai in any way, I agree that the said funds should be used for more inportant things like civic amenities and welfare of the city and state. I think Chhatrapati Shivaji would also agree!

Use the money to improve the quality of life and to build infrastructure. We have too many memorials and statues already! How about contributing to healthcare instead?

Thanks God that someone has taken a stand against this wasteful act. I guess we all should back-up Vishal for this. Why can’t we develop a common platform to oppose all these kind of acts which are not in favour of us as common man. Next one against which we should joint hand is the new tax policy which these guys are trying to implement because it looks lucrative on the face of it, but its not in favour the middle class at all as there is no rebate on rent, home loan, etc. and all perks like petrol, medical, etc would also be taxable.

In times of the current economic crisis globally and insufficient raifall there is going to be a serious drain in the amount of grains and pulses we produce. The poor farmers who work so hard to make these necessities available to us may not even be able to survive these turbulent times. This amount needs to be utilised to address such major issues. The thought behing such intentions of misuse of public funds have to change and we as responsible citizens have to initiate this change. All the best.

I think we should be proud of this one as it will create great opportunities for India Mumbai & so many people who will be benefited from this plz plz plz dont creat unnecessary objection to everything.Do u stop celebrating in ur life when some one dies do u stop eating when things become costly no right then how come u need to stop improvement when just one year drought is there? plz think.As mumbaikar i feel proud about this although I know we should do some thing for drought situation but definitely to stop improving.

There are so many other areas of development, where Govt. is requiered to act. But, Unfortunately pain of the villagers affected from drought, pain of old people, pain of orphane children, pain of unemployed youth is not on the agenda of these politicians who are employed by us. This is very unfortunate. Because if they do some real welfare in the memory of Shivaji, that will not allow then to fill their own bags. We need real democracy. Well done Vishal to raise your voice, we are with you.

I strongly feel that our state leaders need to take a hard look at their value system and then get clarity over the priorities, not in sync with their individual, but that of the people who are facing the ground reality. I would be the most happy person if our so called State leaders put themselves in the shoes of a common man.....and learn to see reality from his/her perspective.

please, ban all expenses done in the name of statue formation be it be UP govt or maharastra! Thanks

The huge sum of money will go a long way to help the underprivileged people of Mumbai and to improve the basic amenities.

Right said mate!!! Lets utilize it for something much worthwhile!!!

Good Going Vishal. I definitely feel that we can actually make a difference.

And we ask why is India not a developed nation yet!!

I wholeheartedly support this petition.

I am born in Mumbai and a maharashtrian as well and heartily support this campaign which is in the favour of our state and not in the favour of any individual,political party or any any such group. I respect Shivaji Maharaj as well as the sentiments behind building the statue. However,if 350 crores are invested in the right way,not all but some of our state\'s issues can be taken care of... I\'m getting goosesumps on my hand while writing this as I\'m extremely proud of this group n every single individual who is a part of it...I sincerely request our Govt. to not invest our money in something that will not turn beneficial...

I completed agree with you Vishal. I think the money can be utilized more efficiently by the Government. I completely support your action

we still have people in the remote areas earning as much rs.3 a day..instead of providing food and shelter for a better tomorrow..with due respect to Shri Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj we cant really waste our money over building a memorial.

The huge sum of money can definitely help the underprevileged and to have better amenities!!

drd1313@yahoo.com

Yes,definitiely agree on this. All those reading this please be serious on this one as the matter included appeals to all of us. Hence,it is our responsibilty to take a stance against such incorrect government decisions.

Yes,definitiely agree on this. All those reading this please be serious on this one as the matter included appeals to all of us. Hence,it is our responsibilty to take a stance against such incorrect government decisions.

hoping for a difference.....

Such wasteful expenditure suits a developed economy where the basic needs are well taken care of...not by depriving the state of its basic rights...Though I would love to see the statue of Shivaji in the middle of Arabian Sea someday and feel proud to be a Mumbaikar !

\"Being n agriculturl country, we need 2do much much more 4 these farmers n their families.. it\'s high tym we woke up n did sumthin 4dem... it\'s tym 2take a firm stand against d unnecessarily wastage of huge amounts of our money.\"

i think we need to be more logical than pompous. there are a number of better options to spend 350 crores.

Vishal i agree with your idea one hundred percent. Rs 350 crores can certainly be used in a more efficient manner

With all due respect for Chatrapati Shvaji, his contribution to our country can never be forgotten. But don\'t we have enough memorials for him? The Govt would do well to have a section in the Museum devoted to him or even have a whole new museum with descriptions of his contribution. But there are hundreds of other much deserving causes crying out for the kind of money that will be spent for this statue. They definately need to be addressed before our(taxpayer\'s) money is spent on this venture.

Please do the appropriate thing here..Being the government means exactly that

makes no sense what-so-ever to spend 350 CRORES on a statue, when there are wayyyyy more needful causes!

No, i dont think so it should happen as this money can be utilised in some other projects to ensure safe run of our economy...

Our true wealth is our land, our pride as a country should be our people. Creating this statue only gives out the message that we are hypocrites. I am sure even chatrapati Shivaji would disapprove to be remembered as someone who ate into an aid which could have been granted to those who are in much need of it.

It is very heartening to see such an initiative, and i sincerely hope that this does not create a problem for the group. A little bit of awareness needs to be created so that people can come out in support of this petition. And please do not promote this as a problem of Mumbaikars or Maharashtra. I say this because i support this cause, despite the fact that it\'ll not affect me directly since i live in Gujarat. So lets unite and put the message across that its a wrong usage of tax-payer money in general.

Will we ever learn?

wake up people , you are no better than insects today,wake up and do what ? start thinking , thats the least you can do

spend the money to save the one\'s dying and not one the one who\'s already dead and gone

Not much to add, really. This obscene gesture to nobody is a colossal waste of public funds.

Please put these funds to the benefit of the society, the statue would do no good to anyone.

TOTALLY AGAINST IT, SPEND IT THE MONEY INSTEAD ON CLEANING UP THE STREETS.

please use this money for the development then fanaticism...Restore the over all culture not the particular sect, caste or religion....

Its time to question each and every penny of the taxpayer. Till now we were mute spectators but now its about time the tax payers demand basic necessecities in life that the elected and responsible government is supposed to provide.

I do not agree with these views. Even though you may be right that money can be put to other use, which is equally important. But I think there is also a need to maintain our culture and preserve our history in what ever way we can. And if you still think that Shivaji monument is unnecessary - so is Haaj pilgirmage fund, so is lot of other things. Why not appeal to supreme court against all of that?

I think Rs. 350 crore can be used to do some good for the slums or healthcare or infrastructure or defence or development program for police but surely not for a statue

Please use the funds judiciously.

don\'t appease vote banks with nostalgic initiatives. improve their daily lives, they\'ll campaign for you too!!

I just hope this initiative does make the government realize the huge mistake they are committing.

Its time we learn to invest in a bright future rather than paint expensive pictures of a rosy past!

Absolutely ridiculous plan. Not only is it a waste of money but is likely to cause more damage to the environment and seascape.

Vishal, I Completely Agree & Support Your Action.......

We need better sewage systems, low cost housing for the urban slum dweller, upgradation of the BEST bus system, Cleaning up of sea shores of waste and pollutants, crèches for children of women labourers and more money spent on city planning. We do not need another statue or another big inauguration celebration where a self serving politician takes the stage and the credit. Please rethink.

A colossal waste of resources. Fix broken things first please!

We surely dont need a \'statue of liberty\' in India !!!!!

Stop polluting, just for a bunch of votes. If you want to do some constructive work. Why dont you spend money on education of poor people.

Instead of spending all that money on creating a new monument it would be much better to use that money in making the houses for the needful or even repaying the world bank back the money that we have to pay them. ALl the old monuments that are present in India like Taj Mahal also require some of the money for the repair work.

It is nothing but hypocrisy to spend 350Cr on a statue of the great king while millions people in the country are dieing from hunger, poverty and STD. Specially when the great king himself was regarded as a people\'s man and devoted his entire life in the service of his people.

Invest on future...not on history...

The money can be spent for the repair of our Monuments rather than making a new one . Preserve the old monuments before making a new one.

This is what every Maharastriya (All the peoples staying in maharashtra)has to think.

Apart from the colossal waste of funds, we do not need an image of war in these troubled times. Statue of Liberty, Eiffel Tower, Jesus Christ in Rio, Taj all bring peace and harmony to the mind. We definitely do not need images of a warrior with a sword flashing through our head when we think of bombay.

\"Awful waste of money, just because we have it? the person who came up with this plan of wasting money should play strategy games and learn from them. really a public vote should be take in cases like this. STOP THIS NONSENSE!!!\"

I don\'t think Shivaji would have approved of this if he was alive.

The money spent here will be equivalent to a waste, the statue will not help reduce poverty, decrease pollution, make the country greener, provide aid to the elderly or minors on the streets, make the roads pot-hole-free etc. The list of things to improve in India are endless, so why are we making more than one memorial statue? I am quite certain Shivaji himself would oppose this!

its better to use the money for improving the lives of better rather than having a statue..

Every point made in the PIL is absolutely true. It will bring further damage to the already stressed ocean, not to mention the shear waste of money and effort. I cant believe that it was even proposed.

This is the most appalling wastage of taxpayer\'s funds!

Its painful!! first preserve your old heritages like elephanta caves & many more. which are in really damm condition.Shame on you politicians.

If we are truly a democratic country, the voice of the people ought to be heard. I\'m going to watch how this turns out!!

There are a lot of other issues that need to be addressed in the same way..but i am glad a start has been made..they cant keep wasting our money like this..will all due respect to Shivaji..at this point of time there are far far more important issues that need to be taken care of as mentioned in the PIL..

Enough has been spent on statues already..

Well written..Definitely there are a lot of other avenues where this money can be spent...Every morning as I jostle in the train..I keep praying that one day we will have a metro..One Bandra worli sea link is not enough to be compared to Shanghai...Guys wake up...

Let\'s invest in the future than applauding the past..

What a waste of hard earned money! 350 crores! Wow, that was some brilliantly insightful planning by whoever proposed this. I mean, this is exactly what we need right now. A Statue. Yea, that should fix things.

Its simple. as long as theres poverty in the country, we cannot afford such luxuries.

If Bombay needs an icon, build another Bandra Worli sealink.

First UP and now Maharashtra...Pl donot misuse public fund for such idiotic things...!!!

I want my money back!

Nalini Malani artist, Mumbai

I agree with this and am in full support of this. Our nation/state/city could do with many more initiatives rather than this statue.

I do not understand the need for this statue and amount being spent on it. This is a highly irresposible use of the peoples money. My support with you!

True Vishal....How about investing some of the amount in the defence section. May be we could avoid another 26/11...

simply put, we are miles behind on the road to a developed nation and this isnt helping it.

If you wanna beautify mumbai, y dont you improve the conditions of slums out there?. Biggest slums of the world. Such kind of decisions are absolutely undemocratic

I agree

I will request everyone from my organistaion \'lets do it \' to sign it cos i feel we all are working for the same cause .....I hope we can bring in the small change by DOING IT . So guys lets do it....

Wat a waste of our money...shared this money among various kids on traffic signals.

Farmers dying, infrastructure withering, developing country, I dont see how this godforsaken statue will help any of this..and more!

I don\'t pay my taxes for this shite.

Oh yes. What a brilliant idea. A 330 crore statue in the middle of the sea. Yea, that should fix a lot of things.

We need the money for more crucial development and infrastructure.

want do somthing big donate 100crs to frmers....

If Shivaji Raje would have been alive. He never would have allowed to built his own statue without solving the \"Praja\'s\" problem

This is a nice way to make a point but i really would like to know if our so called ministers are that tech savvy to even know there is such a thing called internet!!

I completely support Vishal.

If Shivaji raje would have been alive, he never would have allowed to built such costly statue. For him Raja is always after Praja.

Without any disrespect to Maharaj, we would like the state government to improve the infrastructure first before spending on the statue. Build an educational institute for poor students.

If Shivaji raje would have been alive, he never would have allowed to built such costly statue. For him Raja is always after Praja.

I think using the funds more effectively will even make \"CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ\" proud of us....He always dreamt of our state to have an equal living for all and we should work towards fulfilling that dream....His statue would definitely be a nice thing, however he is always there in our heart and we should implement his ideologies for a better Maharashtra.....Jai Bhavani...!!!

I respect & have proud feeling about Shivaji Maharaj more than any marathi or mumbaikar in Maharashtra, But I\'d rather like to see this money invested in something useful, something this city needs desperately. Jai Maharshtra! Ek Proud Marathi, Mumbaikar, Indian.

\"I agree with this and am in full support of this.

Its not necessary to pay homage by showing off in the form of huge spents of money!! Please think about it!!

we should remeber that we are humans first and then Mumbaikars and inproving lives is much more important than frivilous activities

if shivaji would be their he would prefer to work for the people rather than stand in the middle of the sea

For Good.

I pay tax so that I can enjoy some benifits that the state can offer.I would not like my money to go in making a statue.We need some good roads in the finance capital of India

lets help our farmers before we errect monuments.

Time the guys in the govt. learnt some economics

I agree totally with the view put forward by Mr. Dadlani. We need a better Infrastructure, proper security, more than any statue of any hero.Shivaji Maharaj will remain a hero in everyones hearts not because of any statue which was built for him, but because of his deeds in protecting and caring for his people, his nation. And I think that is what our Government is supposed to do for us, the people of this country and not spend our hard earned money for any political parties personal ego building session

I agree

Prosperity is not shown by statues n monuments,its through the civilization living standards and capabilities of his,to tackle calamities, i guess!!! r we passing the test of that? ` vik

\"well said\"

i agree

Vishal, if you want help to make a short film about this subject, I can help you with this; to highlight the cause! All the best for submitting the PIL.

Bombay needs better infrastructure,more trains, gardens and schools for children and not a ecological disaster in the middle of the sea. It is a shameful waste of honest tax money and people of Bombay should have a right to voice their opinions on this. Thanks

Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a real life hero. But what the government is doing is more of a political gimmick.

Wake-up people... what r u waiting for??

I have lots of respect and liking for Shivaji Maharaj as many of us but I also think this huge sum should be used for the poor and underpreviledged group of our society. We can do this under Shivaji Maharaj\'s name and it will make him proud of us for sure.

Great initiative..all the best

There are tons of other, more useful ways, in which the government can use the Rs 350 crores. Some of these might actually make Mumbai a better city. Please don\'t make that statue...

I do agree with Vishal.

I am a proud Mumbaikar, but i dont think peoples money should be wasted lik this ........... insted put to use for the betterment of needy people

We have already poured money down the drain for grandiose but ill executed projects like Bandra Worli sea link. This one is even worse. It doesn\'t even have the slightest hint of public welfare to it!!!

I agree with the contention.

I agreed with you

Save the people from poverty and hunger. Let them grow please for god\'s sake !

this is really a great step

If govt has such huge surplus , please i request to make the qualitiy of roads here in Mumbai better .Its a nightmare in the morning driving through and dogging around those big potholes on the highways. Also if there is such huge surplus please invest it in infrastructure and defense so that we could prevent another 26/11 from happening. thanks.

I agree and vote for the noble cause

Wake - up Guys...

Let\'s get real. Use money on Alive and moving beings rather than beings. Let Shivaji be real in the heart and mind not in statues

Indian cities need basic infrastructure and spending money on statues is wasteful. I totally support Mr. Dadlani.

I Agree...

instead of wasting money in building statues plz use the country\'s money to help the people. plz repair roads, install more dustbins on the roads, try to combat terrorism etc.

I fully endorse.

Heal the world, make it a better place

Dear Govt, Pls DO NOT do this... the state is already in debt!

The transport system in Bombay could really do with those funds. The roads need repairs and as the last incident of violence in Nallasopara showed, our local trains could be way more efficient if more funds were allocated to them.

We should try to spent money on education Health and not on statues and if they are interested to do please tell ministers to pay from there pockets and not from public pocket

I agree

I agree

Please utilise the funds for the welfare of the poor people. Try & make India more greener

A very good movement........

Please make such type statues all over mumbai. We should spents atleast 3500 crores ever year in these activities.

For a City, which is soon becoming the Laughing stock of the country thanks to its Problems of floods, drought, water shortage, Slums, Power cuts, Traffic jams, Overpopulation, Corruption....this is Ridiculous.

this is a waste of the taxpayers money. if the goverment of maharashtra is planning to increase tourism using this; I am sure its not going to work.

Keep at it Vishal. You are doing much needed activism. Best, Nakul Shenoy

I agree with vishal on this. The same money can be deployed for rural infrastructure, providing incentives to various sectors to indirectly generate employment.

This is Ridiculous. Mumbai is fast becoming the laughing stock of India. Floods, Drought, Terror attacks, Traffic jams, Rubbish infrastructure, Slums, Corruption, Bad roads, Water shortage, Power cuts and Political Moral Policemen ! Add another reason now for the rest of the country to laugh at us. Politicians will never learn. Its too many brownie points at Stake for them ! Ridiculous

Please use the public\'s hard earned money for providing benefit to the people; not for a stamp on the government\'s sheet of (so called) accomplishments.

Put this money instead to better our roads and ensure upliftment of the poor. Let us not throw money down the drain, yet again!!

Try to learn soem good qualities from Raja ShivChatrapati rather than spending like a dumb-fool.

there are much better ways to spend that amount of money

The petition says it all.....need i say more....

Apeksha

Instead use this money to improve public sanitaton & could aptly name it Shivaji Shouchalaya..!!!

I fully agree with the views mentioned above.

make better use of funds!!!!

The money Should be spent on so many other projects to help the city

Please stop such misuse of public funds.

Kindly give a second SERIOUS thought. Look at Health, Education, Roads without pot-holes, water shortages, power (electricity) for the public, sanitation, food for all and most IMPORTANT - TRY TO CURB CORRUPTION. Remember AN IDEA can change everones lives.

\"Since Shivaji was considered such a great man,why do we need statues to remember him by?\"

We are a country of limited means and any fund will find numerous ways to use it effectively. Please make the best & optimum use of resources available to us. Let us respect mankind and provide for the upliftment of the needy.

We are not a Country flush with funds, to squander such huge sums of money, irrespective of the fact, however great the individual might be. Constructive and useful things could be done in memory of an individual - so that the the soul rests in peace and feel proud of the ancestors.

This is money belongs to the people, shd not be used to fulfill a political party\'s poll promise,and help them win an election.

Agree totally.....

This is something similar to Ambedkar ji\'s statue of 30 crores in amdedkar park in Luckow. We all know that was a total waste of money...and we can\'t tolerate it any more...

Money is usefull for humanbeings & not for statues.Please do something for people who are living and not for dead people or statues

I don\'t support this. This money is better deployed somewhere than getting stacked up in some swiss bank account.

I agree with it.

Lets build the foundation for a deficit free, prosperous state first and then probably build statues to commemorate our success.

WE SHOULD NOT GO THE AMERICAN WAY WE SHOULD HAVE OUR OWN SPECIAL HISTORY INDIA IS BEST

Please do something more worthwhile.

Just like the sealink, budgeted - 350crores, goes over budget by 150 crores - Total Cost 500crores (ACTUAL COST - barely 50-100 crores). Avoid misuse of funds & save the money for our unfortunate farmers. Take the example of USA, put this statue on your wishlist and get it as a gift from another country.

I Agree..

At a time when a majority of our kids are without education, spending such an obscene amount on a statue is a crime.

Dear Sir, firstly lets try keeping many people alive, then think of making one or two statues.

Farmers in Vidharba are dying and these \'vote bank greedy\' politicians are planing to build a statue?!?!

another inhuman mayabati attitude .... when\'ll INDIA get a better politician, who will really work for the people..

As a Mumbaikar i think this is a waste of money and could be utilized for the road development. This is a must in MUMBAI.

more important things to pend the money on

I\'ve lived in Mumbai for 26 years and love the city. It would be morally unforgivable to spend 350 crores on this project at a time when people are starving to death. The American\'s can afford it, and much as we want to be like them, now is not the time.

I think citizens are taxed for the development of a country, so I think tax collected from us should be utilized for better Infrastructure & mainly for the Country’s defense. Our hard earned money is not for building monuments. STOP USING OUR MONEY FOR POINTLESS DEALS…

Please do better things which can b fruitful to the country but not spending on statues when the economic conditions of the country are not good. Do we need a Statue or a school/better roads/ infrastructure/jobs...??

I totally agree with the Vihal. Govt.funds should be spend on meaningful causes & people should think practically & not emotionally.

Money should be allocated constructing a mental asylum for those who thought of and approved such a harebrained idea in the first place...

Mumbai needs real development not decoration...

So who asked you buggers to elect these idiots in the first place? PIL my foot ... no one\'s gonna look at you. Quit wasting time, guys. Its futile.

The country needs funds allocated to SO MANY other things, it would be a waste to spend it on another statue. Do we not have enough roads and bridges and statues of Shivaji already?

I think that if Shivaji Maharaj were alive today He would have used these funds for the welfare of the people. So why do we not remember and learn from examples set by the great leaders and emulate them. As for the great mind that came up with this brilliant idea I feel he should be flogged in public !!!!!!!!!!

why isn\'t public money used to upgrade infrastructure in general? does this vision really need a nudge? in a country where infrastructure is a real impediment and has a lot to catch up on..its an amazement how the govt. can think about \"statues\" instead....

This is an earnest plea to government to get their priorities right.

What about hospitals ?-we could do with more funding towards the municipal hospitals for better amenities etc.

This amount would be used from the taxes we, middleclass people pay to the state, it is our hardearned money and the Shivaji statue is in no way going to help any common man. We do not need any monuments, instead build some housing for the poorer classes, like the taxi/rickshaw drivers, who practically live in their vehicles and wash their vehicles either on the beaches or with the drainage water which overflows. I have seen this at Bandra east over the Mithi River. In this way we could have taxi/rickshaw pools at different locations and not see them parked by roadsides or under the bridges. They would have a decent living and not fidle with their meters to make a living. Monuments do not make the city/state, it is the people who make the city/state. Even Shivaji himself would be happy to see his people living a decent life.

\"We don\'t have bread, please don\'t tell us to go eat cake\"

I fully endorse above views, spend the money on drought effected people

I completely agree with your views Mr. Dadlani, the only concern I have is that the 350 crore we save will end up in some politicians pocket.

I think this project is not at all a good idea, both economically and ecologically. Lets not forget that the ocean is a great reserve of biodiversity and a small disturbance can cause a lot of loss of ecology.

No responsible citizen of India and a Maharashtrian will accept such an irresponsible expenditure especially during these days of draught when the Govt. of Maharashtra has asked for Rs. 15,000 crores to alleviate the plight of the draught hit. If this exercise goes through, I am sure every Maharashtrian will hang his head in shame .

i guess this amount should be used for something better and for some development of mumbai . makes no sense in spending on a statue , rather build some schools or health care centre\'s and take the credit .

I totally agree with Mr. Vishal Dadlani. Funds should be used for betterment of poor people and development of good infrastructure. We can decorate the city afterwords.

thats a wonderful move.. from day 1 i am against this statue though i am a hardcore marathi gal .. and with all due respect for great warrior.. Still thats a sheer waste of public wealth.. A lot of lives of farmers in Maharashtra can be saved with this wealth.

This is the last nail in the coffin...A lot of things can be done with Rs. 350 Crs.

Govt can do a lot good from these money rather than making a shivaji statue. Rather help the poor people. Govt can make some organization which will help poor in the name of shivaji rather than making a statue which will do no ggod for state.

u r right

Use the same money where one person will benefit from the same

We can do a lot of good work with that 350 crores Mumbai needs that kind of Money.

This is abnoxious! Please...dont let this this happen.

Dont promise just work

pleazzzz for gods sake make better use of the money.....

That money can be put to much better use.

Use the money in some other purpose. Spending such an abnormal amount for this thing is barbaric!

Not sure that this is true:), but thanks for a post. Have a nice day

plz donot spend on unnecessary statues, there are importatnt issues to be addressed to

completely agree with everything vishal has mentioned. 350 cr can really do a lot of good if properly allocated

I\'ve all the respect for the great and divine personality.But I think its a sheer waste of a money which can be put to far better use.

Infrastructural development should better be our first priority. Even though it can be argued that statue is likely to generate revenue through tourism, first rejuvenate Shivaji Raje\'s forts, and other tourists attractions in Maharashtra. Please don\'t create a political issue out of this, and please do what is right!

do we really need a \"statue\"? im sure we respect his memory just as well without it. do whats right, do whats in the interest of the citizens. thanks.

WE NEED TO STOP THIS

350 crore can b used for better developments than a statue ina middle of ocean.. there r so many Poor to be fed in thsi country

Stupid government

If we must honour people from the past, then let\'s put their names to projects that may secure a better future.

go ahead and do it if the wise men holding the states reigns think that they have no poor left and the state is prospering, the state has the fulfilled all the promises they made to make mumbai a better place to live. but unfortunately we still have the worst roads and the biggest slums !!

this is waste of money

Spend on infrastructure ..why waste so much money

300 crore is not a joke and can be well utilised for more constructive work.....the govt. should rather that wasting money should take cautionary steps for the betterment of the poor,poverty struck kids who are ending life for no reasons...please this petition is for the betterment and not just to show off as to what we think,if we think we can work also......

Well said! There are better ways to pay respect to Chhatrapati Shivaji (ways that he actually will be proud of) than build a statue!

It is futile to have this petition exercise undertaken. The senseless zealots who have thought of such wasteful expenditure will resort to violence if this statue is not put up.

There is already a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji on gateway of INDIA, Rs.350 crore can be utilized in better way other than this......

yeah!!! what he said

I hope this puts some sense in them.

Do not waste public money

you monkey fuck, go fuck your mom

I wholly support this petition

There is no point in building such an expensive memoriable for a king. For people like Gandhi and Bose, it is purely understandable. Instead, use the 350 crores to help the poor people of India. Image how it would change their lives. The maharaj is dead. He woudn\'t care if a memorial was built after him or not. India, this is the reason why we are still considered a third world country.

I think Shivaji was a great King. We respect & hail his valure and strength. We already have the memorial on Raigadh and at Gateway of India. I think instead of spending on that, it should be spent on Raigadh which is in a bad state and lay some water lines to the villages which have scarcity of water. Atleaset some houses will have water not all of them in Maharashtra.

No doubt that Shivaji was a GREAT KING but instead of spending so much amount on the Statue in the Ocean do not make any Sense.It may be then used for POLITICAL PURPOSES & mis use may be done of the same.

Completely agree.

The need of the hour is providing drinking water for all, education for the poor, good health care for the poor & better infrastructure among other things. The Govt. of Maharashtra, if I remember correctly, was on the verge of bankruptcy, so where will this money come from & if it is available then it should be put to better use than building a Statue. I think that Chatrapati Shivaji was undoubtedly one of the Greatest Freedom Fighters, rulers & Warriors & this wasteful expenditure would be an insult to his memory, given the need of the hour.

We must ensure that sense will prevail and preempt this gross waste of public money.

great leaders like Chatrapati Shivaji leave behind the hope for good govt. their legacy must be efficency and wise administration by successive govts and not decorative gestures. this money is crucial to our country and must be used for its people.

I wish the government would act sensible and sensitive towards the basic needs of the people. A strong economy of the nation is recognized only by the living status of the people viz,proper education, good standard of living,a good standard to health care and welfare of the people. These are the real assets of the nation.If the people in power work towards these goals,India would now now the Major power in the world. We have talents, we have resources. Let us utilize the money for the right cause. Shivaji was a person who cared for the people welfare.Don\'t let his wish go to waste in the waters.

good work!

No to Statue.

We need to re-order our priorities to ensure that public money is spent to further the cause of the am admi. Surely this would be a better memorial to the great king!

Yes, Shivaji was and is a king who will be looked up to but.. 350 crores for development OR 350 crores for a statue?? plz .. common sense is all v r askin for.

Its a shear waste of money, and for those who really feel something about Shivaji Maharaj, please think what he would have done with this money. build a statue or make life of his people better?

It makes me feel so sad that our politicians are so self-involved and uneducated to say the least. They lack common sense. Spend the crores of rupees on making our city better, make it cleaner, safer, and worth being called one of the best cities in the world. Fix the roads, solve traffic problems, erradicate poverty, improve the conditions in the city to avoid floods, make education a priority. This statue is not going to make a damn difference - its going to take over 20 years to build..Finish the Bandra Worli Sea Face at least! If this statue is built - we will see a whole new wave of environmental dilemas..Please don\'t build this ridiculous monument...Wait for someone to \"gift\" it to us..

We can not let this happen. Vishal, we support you all the way!

What a monumental waste of money! Build public utilities, schools, hospitals, anything to help improve people\'s lives. Not statues for God\'s sake! Give us a break!!

I agree with the sentimens in the PIL & would like to support the same.

Starving people in the state, no water, electricity, housing, road conditions apalling and I can go on and on. my taxes are not being channeled in the proper direction and corruption has had become more rampant. I want my taxes to go to these mentioned areas AND NOT BUILD A STATUE in the middle of the sea at this horrendous price.

I couldn\'t agree with you more

Where does one begin...?!?

guys, we dont need a statue, we need a proper education system, a proper administration..lets work towards developing it!!!!

What an unbelievable waste of public wealth! The Government\'s sheer disregard for the Indian taxpayer\'s money, and the extravaganza it is used for bears shameful testimony to this disregard..

this is an outrage. enough of the political posturing just before elections and enough of wasting precious tax money....education, health care, better roads, lower taxes....how come we never hear about any of these? I am completely against this and any other memorial especially of these magnitude. Its just a way for the civil servants and ministers to make a tidy retirement nest egg and then some. I for one will not stand for it.

I\'ve got only three words for the ones who are supporting this ridiculous and unnecessary statue...FUCK YOU ALL.!!!

Sincerely hope this one achieves whats its supposed to!

we are always with you in a noble cause which helps our nation heading towards prosperity rather than fake show-off. Jai Hind.

One feels sad to see the name of a historical figure being used by today\'s politicians for nothing other than trying to distract people from the government\'s failure to solve real issues.

I fully endorse Vishal\'s views. This money could be well spent on aiding the farmers.

There is not an occassion we don\'t feel proud of THE CHHATRAPATI and what he stood for in his life. He is in our thoughts always, statue is not required. Let this money be used for a better purpose that will contribute to build a better, humane, just and powerful India ideals the Chattrapati himself stood for.

Lets stop this nonsense of catering to the vote banks..lets put food and basic amenities first!

Mr.JRD Tata, who gave us the airline facility without which Mumbaikars today would find it so difficult to be Mumbaikars,is perhaps more deserving of a statue, had we the funds, than Shivaji, who though great, has a great number of statues in Mumbai.

i agree with the points mentioned in this post

Besides the obvious mentioned in the above petition for not spending this ridiculous amount on such a project, if this is built the natural beauty of marine lines will be completely ruined!!

Well!A drop in the ocean,perhaps-my signature!!! Hope it helps.The truth stares in our faces stark naked and yet the \'selfish giants\' choose to ignore it.

This is being built in remembrance of Shivaji Maharaj, so that people remember him and his great works rite? In that case how about spending the money instead on specialized training for the Mumbai police force,giving them the best and latest weapons. Also providing these people who protect us with their lives, the latest protection for themselves eg:modern body armor,communications,etc. And as for the part of remembrance? well name these large number of highly trained units \"Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sainiks\",(CSMS),hows that?? and let them keep patrolling all over the city for protection.Seeing them people will see and remember Shivaji Maharaj and remember the values the king stood for!! Hows that? that i am sure will be perfectly fine with the masses. And for those who just believe that this should not happen,well the politicians dont care what u think apparently. So instead of wasting the money on a statue, use the name and money for a better purpose. ppl not liking the name CSMS can call it \"Counter Strike Military Squad\"!! for all i care , Just put these funds to good use.Thank you.

How many kilometres of road can be conretised? How many new school buildings can be built? How many slum dwellers can be rehabilitated? Just think how much Rs.350 crore can do...

Vote politics notwithstanding, the ordinary Mumbaikar these politicians hope to appease through sentimental theatrics, would rather have steady electricity, water and public transport, and affordable produce, instead of a chimerical symbol of pride.

We already have enough number of landmarks named after the Chatrapati. How many more do we want ?? Let alone build another one . I don\'t think The chatrapati would be too pleased with this hypocrisy ...sycophancy.

Please do not waste tax payers hard earned money on such things.

We do not need a statue to remember Shivaji....selfish people

We really dont need a statue like this...we\'ve had enough places dedicated to Shivaji...do we want another? spending the public funds for something like this is totally uncalled for..

save the farmers...please

Maya and Chavan duet- Statues on land and statues in the sea nation be damned Its all about ME!

Shivaji\'s First priority was security to his people. Thats why he build so many forts. These politicians should learn something from him. Maybe if they listen to us, our children will built their statues in respect.

Historians may be asked to confirm whether this great Maharashtrian ruler ever set foot in Mumbai, let alone stayed there. The premier city of a great nation cannot belong only to one community or one hero. We belittle the entire Maharashtrian community if we can find only ONE great man among them.

I\'d rather not have a huge statue of anyone (me included) plonked in the middle of sea, not to mention the waste of money, it would totally spoil the view from the promenade. Building statues is not some shortcut to development, but for some reasons our politicians, *cough* Mayawati *cough* think otherwise.

\" Ens. Covey: [translating for Cinque to John Quincy Adams] I will call to the past, far back to the beginning of time, and beg them to come and help me at the judgment. I will reach back and draw them into me, and they must come, for at this moment, I am the whole reason they have existed at all. \" Amistad \"Shivaji Maharaj espoused the ideology of Hindavi Swarajya (Self rule of the natives).....with his friends and soldiers to directly challenge... Shivaji Maharaj succeeded in establishing control of a well defended segment of the present state of Maharastra in western India, during his lifetime \" Wikipedia \"Today I learned a good lesson. The poverty of the poor must be so hard for them. While looking for a home I walked and walked till my arms and legs ached. I thought how much they must ache in body and soul, looking for a home, food and health. \" Mother Theresa

I fully support the pettition

haven\'t we already disturbed our ocean ecology building the Bandra-Worli Link? But at least it has had a positive impact on the lives of average Bombaywallas. How is the statue doing anyone any good; the people or our ocean?!?! Who are these peole who come up with such ridiculous ideas in the first place?!? It would be a SHAME if this project was actually undertaken.

I completely agree with this petition. Thanks for taking the initiative to stand up against such wanton waste of funds.

I am a Mumbaikar, and I stand by this petition. While it makes me proud of Shivaji, there are many more ways of showing respect. This money can be very well used in development of Mumbai, we do not have to ape NYC.

we have enough statues on land we dont need one in the sea.we need someone like you to stand up against the wrongs that our politicians are doing.thanks for taking the initiative.i absolutely agree with this petition

I stand by this petition. While it makes me proud of Shivaji, there are many more ways of showing respect. This money can be very well used in development of Mumbai, we do not have to ape NYC.\"

Very good decision of the Court of Law. There is absolutely no reason for investing such a huge amount in a project which will not yield not a single Rupee to the nation.

I\'m very happy that you have taken on this cause, as I do feel strongly that our hard earned tax payer\'s money should be used to deal with more urgent problems that our beautiful city is faced with over and over again.

350 crores for a statue.. hmmm, how about 350 crores for a Public hospital.

350 crores ka bring a huge change in our beloved Mumbai city.I totally agree with every single word of the above petition. ==================Jai Bhavani================== ==================Jai Shivaji================== ===============Jai Maharashtara================

hats off to the one who took the initiative to start this. yes, use all the money for hospitals, floods, drought, sewage,garbage,farmers, build silos ,agriculture ,produce,people cant eat steel.build roads, schools,educate the poor,give them jobs in their own villages,n make them self sufficient,look after senior citizens, protect the people, against terrorism,thefts,murders, etc etc ,there\'s tons to do instead of throwing all the hard earned money into the sea.help one another............

i agree wit whts written in the petition the money cn be put to better use wereas da goverment shld try to highlight the noble qualities of the great maratha king by educating the youth abt it instead.

shivaji is long gone i\'m sure he did\'nt want to be a statue where pigeons and crows shit. He was a true warrior and we are his descendants. So beware cos we will fight for our rights. That is our tax paid money and we will decide how you to utilise it. The govt who are our paid employees have no rights for frivolous acts.

KARNA HAI TO KUCH AISA KARO VEER SHIVAJI KI SHAN MEIN KHUSH HON JISASE LOG YAHAN AUR WO MUSKARAYEN AASAMAN MEIN BEGHAR KO GHAR MILE ,KISANO KA GUJAR CHALE KHARCH KAREN SURAKSHA MEIN AGAR, TO BE KHAUF YE SHAHAR CHALE, NA 26/11 HO FIR KABHI , KUCH AISA INTJAM HO JANTA KE ES PAISE SE ,,JANTA KI BHALAI KA KAAM HO,,,

Please use the amount of 350 crore to achieve economic & technological superpower status even sooner, instead of spending it on a statue. Jai Hind!

Spending hard earned taxpayers money on something that doesn\'t benefit anyone, is a grave crime against our democracy, especially when we require more effecient use of funds to improve infrastructure, security and a draught stricken state.

Clean the city and it\'s filthy polititians.

350 crores can be spent on educating the poor, hospitals, roads, power, anything to better Mumbai.Please do not let our hard earned money to be used on a statue in a park, spoiling the ecology of the sea in mumbai.

I absolutely agree with this petition. Rs 350 crores for a status quo - why for god sake politicans ignore their regional real and urgent problems???

Please use this money to employ 1000 judges and speed up the pending court cases.

I agree.Mumbai has more pressing problems to be solved. I agree. Mumbai has too many pressing problems that need solving. Keep up the good work Vishal.

Help the People, the Ruler of the People will definitely find peace when his people are happy.

It would only be a HUGE symbol of corruption .... of many kinds !! UGH !!

This plan is too ridiculous to even comment on. They have named the airport and the railway station after the man. Let them rename Bombay itself into Shivajinagar or something and finish matters once and for all !!!

I\'m relieved that I\'m not alone in hoping that the funds earmarked for this project will be re=directed to more pressing needs. Every one in this city deserves a better life. I\'m certain Shivaji would agree.

THIS IS A TOTAL UNWARRANTED WASTE OF OUR MONEY. PEOPLE ARE STARVING AND DYING IN OUR COUNTRY AND IT A SHAME THAT OUR POWERS THAT BE CANNOT SEE BEYOND THEIR OWN IMPORTANCE. THIS OBSESSION WITH SHIVAJI HAS TO BE CURTAILED AND STOPPED AND THE MONEY EAR-MARKED FOR THIS SHOULD BE SPENT ON EDUCATION AND FOOD FOR THE POOR AND NEEDY. JUST GO TO B.P.T. ROAD AND SEE THE SQUALOR IN WHICH OUR PEOPLE ARE LIVING IN AND THINK HOW THAT MONEY CAN BE USED TO UPLIFT THEIR MISERY. BUT I HAVE NO HOPE FOR THIS HAPPENING. OUR BABOOS ARE A SHAMELESS, SELFISH LOT WITHOUT ANY COMMON SENSE OR DECENCY. BAL THAKERAY AND HIS ILK ARE GOONDAS AND SELF SERVING.

pressing issues like slum rehab, rain water harvesting, and prevention of flooding, public health, public transport need to be done first and a moratorium on all statues.

Make Bombay safe. Our money on statues!!!!!!!!!!!. GOD SAVE OUR BOMBAY>

wake up !

THE STATUE OF LIBERTY IS BUILT TO EXALT THE VIRTUES OF JUSTICE AND EQUALITY. THE SHIVAJI STATUE STANDS FOR GREED, CORRUPTION AND TOTAL AMORALITY OF OUR POLITICIANS. THERE IS NO COMPARISON. EVEN THE IDEA IS AN EYESORE. THIS A BANKRUPT STATE- BANKRUPT FINANCIALLY, MORALLY AND ETHICALLY. JAI MAHA- RASHTRA!!!

I support this cause. But my only question is, if not the statue will the money go to the needy or it will still be wasted on other things!!! I luv mumbai nd I would do anything to make it look beautiful, but there has to be a weekly account on how the money is being used by the government, so we exactly knw where our hard earned money is going nd how!!

I fully agree that this would be a monumental waste of tax payers money

PLEASE STOP IT.....Its a RIDICULOUS COST....With you completely...

I lend my support to this protest. Nut if one really wants to see the grotesque scale of statue building mania one must come to Uttar Pradesh or, better still, Lucknow!

Go Baby. Let us get together for preventing more of these gross wastage of PUBLIC MONEY !!!!!

lets spend this money on cleaning the mithi river or garbage maintenance instead

Shivaji was a great son of India.But this is no way to remember him.This is waste of public money which has many more pressing claims for its use.Chatrapati himself would have frowned on such use of public funds.

when we elect our representatives they should decide what is best for us and not for their own name and Family.

A colossal waste of taxpayers money. Who has the conscience to spend on this when the state is in financial distress with so many farmers committing suicide, and the roads badly in need of attendion? Clean up our streets , build more schools, Give the poor free medical treatment. there are lots of noble ways to spend hard earned taxpayers money !

I am with you.what a waste of Taxpayers hard earned money

This is a cheap gimmick for votes.There would be repeat 26/11s.Intelligence gathering and strengthning security needs priority over this wasteful project.

Mumbai cannot afford any more monuments.

It is definitely neither rational, nor practical, nor a viable plan. We can only pray that Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj somehow inculcates some sense in these politicians\' brains(?). Jai Bhavani !! Jai Shivaji !!

I can think of several ways to utilise Rs 350 crores ++ for the betterment of our city and our State. Why try to be Manhattan when we really can\'t afford the expense. Maybe after 20 years, that is, if the State is solvent at that point !

Completely agree. Public money definitely needs to be spent on pressing needs for the larger benefit of society especially the underprivileged - in terms of improving education, health services, preventing malnourishment etc. We also need to improve the infrastructure and road conditions in Mumbai. Besides the cost of construction the statue being in the middle of the ocean will also require recurring maintenance - public money needs to be spent more wisely!

At this point of time Mumbai, needs any money available to it to be spent on basic infrastructure - roads,health & hospitals, schools, housing etc. and certainly not a statue in the sea. Additionally in a city of limited space and vistas, why would we want to spoil the fabulous view of the Arabian Sea and add to the desecration of the environment and the heavy pollution that we already live with?

i agree, it\'s time to stop this psychophancy! all streets do not have to be renamed...all bridges, sea links, monuments cannot be dedicated to one person... footpaths cannot be taken over by statues, what a waste! we have to get them to be accountable to us for the money they spend in the name of \"PUBLIC WANTS\"! the cops on pochkhanawala road have taken over a footpath for their \'shraddhanjali\' to the 26/11 police victims....its ridiculous! come on mumbai...reclaim open land for our sanity...for the survival of this city, we all know we are living on a bomb waiting to explode...and all because of corrupt politicians and businessman who fill these politicians pockets. what system can we devise to stop corruption? this mornings paper has william bissel suggesting a cashless society! And just how do we get these politicians to stop BRINGING more people into this city, just for their votes? 54 % of the population in mumbai lives in the shanties on account of this!!!! disgusting....something has to be done. mumbai is still under siege...from our OWN people! maybe the SHIV SENA and MNS can try and persuade the politician instead of targeting the hapless non mumbai resident.... there are, educated,highly respected, responsible, thoroughly accomplished in their field of work, selfless citizens of our city who can be consulted for schemes, infrastrucutre inputs, expenditure made towards this metropolis....we want accounts to be monitored and published to see where and why this money is being spent...( there is such colossal waste, trees planted as dividers, then uprooted, paving done, next month thats undone...roads never completed....bad design, unsafe construction, garbage dumping,public space enchroached upon,drainage, water.... the list is long, very long .... so pathethic...) there is so much to be done to make this city livable again. there must be a way!

Instead of installing statues why we are refraining from following their principles. We require atleast 10 YSR Reddy\'s for improving Maharashtra.

Lets vote and be voted! Kick these buggers out of our lives. VOTE this time!

our starving farmers,malnourished children,government hospitals and education are some of the areas that could do with this money.350crores on one statue or money spent well where it can make a huge difference to the people of our state!

Such spending should not be left to be decided by the Legislators; they should do their jobs of passing laws and enabling policies, that let administrators take decisions. The administrators should seek referendums from the city to take on such irreversible projects. This is city, state or national wealth being squandered into projects which generate no returns or value to the tax payers or those below the BPL levels in the country.

The estimate of this wastefull indulgence is likely to escalate 2-3 times if past records are anything to go by

They are %^&*(# !!

The statue in the sea would damage the environment, and also be a violation of the CRZ Rules.

such a statue itself is disrespect for shivaji\'s own vision and policy where exorbitant expenditure was forbidden....

The idea is the worst imitation of the \'Statue of Liberty\' to the \'Statue from Poverty\'. Going by the Statue trend Maharashtra may soon turn into \"Maya\"rashtra. Mr. Thackery ---- Are you listening?????

We all are together !!! Thanks a lot for such an action...

Rather spend the money on upgrading Mumbai\'s infrastructure and providing basic amenities to all its population.

The city needs footpaths for pedestrians to walk!!@#!@# Not statues!

spend the money fixing roads in mumbai

It is important that this petition should be based on violation of rules, else the court may well take the stand (as it has in U.P re the Mayawati statues) that the judiciary should not interfere with due legislative processes. In this case ultimately the politicians responsible for this blatant waste of public money should pay an electoral price.

When this statue was announced, I took pride in it as a Maharashtrian.But after hearing how can this money be better used in helping our Farmer\'s, I support this petition..Shivaji Maharaj must have definitely wanted to develop the farmers before thinking of glorifying himself as A Statue.!!

They should instead use those funds to develop all the green spaces in this congested city

Aditya Gupta

Yes ! i do agree with the Topic. its a waste of money. but i do respect Shivaji Raje. See the MUMBAI ROADS! Shivaji Raje gonna ride on these dumpy roads, of course not, even we dont want to. Everyone should know & confess here that the reason TRAFFIC [ 90% ] is due to BAD road. i want to Become the PART OF ROAD MONITORING COMMITEE if there is any or if we can Start one. i am rady to SPOT the POT with my camera & mobile internet.

We do not need a statue in the Sea for sure. There are much greater needs for our city and money should be used for genuine causes. These politicians should be taught a lesson by not allowing this horrendous plan to go through.

Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj & todays taxpayers would have preferred to have this money spent on farmers who are committing suicide because of indebtedness, war widows & orphans & a million other noble deeds, not on politicians who want to enlarge their pockets thru corrupt memorial building schemes.

The Statue of Liberty was a GIFT to USA - they did not construct it. Already our airport is named after Shivaji. So is our main train station CST. I doubt whther JRD Tata would have liked an erection of himself in the sea !

Public Money should be wisely spent for maximum public benefit which will percolate down to the poorest of the poor, and not for some elitist grandiose schemes which will hundred percent cause an environmental and ecological disaster of such magnituted that Mumbai has never seen. Utilise such funds for afforestation, public parks, power, water supply, effective drainage, housing, creating literacy, and preventative health care naturopathy centres, improving sanitation, providing public toilets, improving facilities of municipal schools, and a hundred other worthwhile causes.

It\'s not just statues but there should be severe austerity measures in bith the government and private domain to stop wasteful expenditure not just at the time of elections either.

Please direct the state govt to use Rs.350 crore to help the poor farmers

1st we should look for better road.we need that statue also but not at this time.

Right on, Mr. Dadlani.

Today you want a statue of Shivaji, after another coupla centuries people might want statues of Thackerays.. Nip in it the bud, I say.

I endorse the points raised in Vishal\'s note. Mumbai has so many pressing requirements from security to infrastructure, surely the 350 crores can be put to better use for its people today.

My letter against this very thoughtless wastage of funds was published in Indian Express of August 12th, this is after all only a election gimmick, at our expanse wont the intelligent Bombakers see thorough this ? Sincerely hope this is not allowed we wish this PIL meets with success

The state government should make better use of the money.. No offence to Shivaji\'s memory.

Im with you mate. Full steam ahead.

wasnt naming the aiport in his name enough ? will they change the name of mumbai to chatrapati nagar ?

Money should be used for education and clean water for everyone and not for some odd statue!

there\'s so much space in entire mumbai, why in the sea whr over the years the water will damage it and they\'ll spend more on the redo and maintenance...

Use the 350 crore for maharashtra - schools, better public infrastructure, security apparatus...Shivaji himself would be disgusted to see this kind of waste...

Instead of spending huge amounts on statues tell our politicians take some good qualities & do atleast one noble noted deed like the Great Shivaji Maharaj!

I think it is such a waste of public money, and also ecologically detrimental to the ocean

It is said, \"When God wants to punish a people, He first emasculates them and then gives them unthinking leaders.\"

It is not just the cost. Our administrators have already made a mess of Worli Sea Face with their poor planning of the Sea Link. Should we allow them to mess with our beautiful Marine Drive now? And What about the contravention of the CRZ regulations?

Spot on stop required on such expenses. Due honor and recognition is in place for the righteous, however part of the amt cud be well spent on development, cleaning, beautification, infra-structure which will add more sense to the existence of Mumbai city. The rest could be used to assist the farming community to increase production and ease their burden.

Is the city going to get any extra revenue because of the statue like the statue of liberty?

utter waste of taxpayer\'s money. could be put to much better use.

Any good cause will always be supported VIshal!! We are right behind u on this one !

we r there to support you vishal keep it up !!

350 Crores is a huge chunk of money, india has many illiterate and unprivilaged people, use it there

I completely concur with this plea from the concerned citizens of Mumbai. Such callous expenditure of the State exchequer is absolutely unforgivable in the light of the plight of the citizens, whose money it is in the first place!!

keep up the good job n if possible publish this in the newspaper so that more people become aware of it.

Shivaji Maharaj himself would have utilized the funds for the betterment of his citizens than spend it on self propaganda a\'la Maya...i.

What a collosal waste in these times.And a statue of a great Son of India who is so much in our hearts. that it is demeaning to think one needs to make a statue for us to remember him.

It looks like: \"Land space for builders and Sea space for our Netas\". First make money in Statue, then get votes and then leave it for crows and eagles and later make money in renovation .. then ...

Truly, this is a wasteful expenditure. There are a hundred other vital important things that this money can be spent on which will benefit mankind.

I don\'t believe that Shivaji himself would have approved of such wasteful expenditure. He did not have such a big ego.

Do not waste money on dead statues, save poor lives,eliminate hunger and poverty

Can there be anything more cruel to the poor than this? Instead of providing them succour we provide them a statue!

In the name of Shivaji,since he is so important to some Maharastrians,build some apartments,schools,playgrounds for the underprivileged.What will a statue do for the common man ????

Ludicrous. Insane. Totally off the rocker. Duh!

How will a statue be beneficial to common man

How dare they spend this kind of money, when the city requires 10 times more policemen to curb crime and uncivic behaviour of our people. Drivers at night break signals with impunity but the govt doesn\'t have money to pay salaries for cops to work at night.

Media announced only days ago that in mumbai a few millions earn less than Rs20 a day. In the midst of farmers suicides over the last few years how peoples representatives could consider installing statue a priority. This if installed would also cause an exodus to the city centre which has a crumbling infrastructure. 350 crore is enough money to provide nearly 20000 tenements to the slum dwellers who,in a way, sustain this great city. Name this complex after the great king!There are many priorities !

Unless the statue has a giant robot battle mode, I\'m not game.

What profitable good will a statue of Shivaji build by Indians for Indians (unlike the statue of Liberty) in the middle of the ocean do to anyone?

It about time Maharashtra government did something which was of some use to the state than the vested interests of some of the politicians and their political parties. Learn something from Gujarat Government and Andhra Government and not from Bihar and UP governements.

How will the statue add value to our lives.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj himself would have been overwhelmed & content if this money is put into the betterment of people rather than on his statue. I salute this GREAT KING but spending Rs.350 crores on his statue is ROYAL WASTE OF MONEY …. Wake up Government of Maharashtra n Stop This

I have no sympathy with the petitioner or with the government who is building this statue. This statue, though approved by the government and is said that it will promote tourism in Maharashtra, I protest because this statue violates the basic socio-economic philosophies of the Constitution of India. A socialistic constitution that guarantees food and basic livelihood to ordinary citizens of our country before anything. Though our courts didn\'t have enough power to ban the statues of Mayawati in Uttar Pradesh and I\'m quite sure that the same will happen in this case, yet I protest through this medium.

OUR POLITICIANS SHOULD SET THEIR PRIORITIES RIGHT...SHADES OF MAYAWATI,,SHE WILL TO ANSWER TO THE PEOPLE OF INDIA

It\'s a crazy proposition. We do not need to imitate the US [the Statue of Liberty, in this context] in these superficial aspects. The money could be used beneficially in many other ways. And to think about it, just the other day we were chuckling about how Hon. Mayawati could waste so much money in building statues and how we are lucky that the Maharashtra government has some sense...

They should have his statue in the Vidhan Sabha or the Mantralaya and spend the money [as they are so hell bent on spending debt]on restoration of all 7 forts and make them tourist attractions.

another example of the politicians not doing what they are supposed to do..serve the people and help the mumbaikars..the roads are pathetic, the airport is forever under construction and the bldgs are not fit to live in..spend the money there..

All noble deeds can be done in memories of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaji. Use this money and his name for development of underprivileged…please don’t cement this money

I totally agree with the fact that we could put this hard earned money to good use .We should use this fund to provide the basic requirements to the people who are suffering due to the failed monsoon and open schools to educate the masses. I am sure Chatrapati Shivaji would have also done the same.

All I can say is, wake up people... its our own hard earned money which we pay to the govt... not to satisfy some political ego by way of building a statue which is 10 feet taller than statue of liberty... but for the welfare of our country.. I wouldn\'t mind such an expense if all the other basic needs of this country would\'ve been fulfilled... One must realize that the US govt guarantees the right to pursue the HAPPINESS to each of its citizen... hope that we could too utilize this money towards ensuring a fraction of happiness we wish for..!

guys wake up,before its too late. these politicians will sell their souls to satan 4 their gaddi. stand up now. protect mumbai.she not thembelongs to us,

Chooxychaky yp5g nuannalopNoma ybgg

We do not wish to dishonour the memory of Chhatrapati Shivaji. Instead of the statue, put the money into public work which will bear his name

grew up and schooled in pune, shri shivaji preparatory military school, where we were taught to be frugal in our expenses and caring in our values for the poor, downtrodden and persecuted! shivaji maharaj would be tortured to think money wasn\'t being used to alleviate his fellow man\'s suffering and wasted on his non-existent vanity!

It should apply all over India

A sheer waste of resources. Will also spoil the skyline.

Dear all concerned,I and our Ngo.members are toatlly against the building of the Statue of Shivaji in the Ocean.The fund which will be used to build the statue is in contradictory with many National Medias.One of the leading news papers stated it as Rs.500 crores and in some other it is mentioned as Rs.350 crores.2ndly what ever it is; your Lord-ships may please note that this Statue is of no \"constructive- use to the Public-at-large\" when this \"Tax-Payers\" money can be very well used for the Down-trodden,un-employed,Poverty-striken and the Deprivation of Education to the needy and for various others Social-Economical-infrastructural issues.Its a sheer waste of the Public-money if this Statue is allowed to build.My Lordships, may \"permanantly Stay\" the building of this Statue by the Ms.Govt..Yours sincerely,Adv.Jaya Nair, +91 9420692560, www.maharashtralaw.com

As the petition states, I think the money to be spent on the statue could be channeled into far more useful avenues such as saving the lives of farmers in drought hit areas or other projects which we need far more than we need statues.

Why not spend this money for the farmers who are commiting suicide????

We should put this hard earned money to good use .We should use this fund to provide the basic requirements to the people who are suffering due to the failed monsoon and open schools to educate the masses. We should use this Money for the Betterment of people Who are BPL

Tax Payers money should be used only for constructive reasons. To uplift the poor. To educate all etc. etc.

This is the worst insensitive Government we haave in Maharashtra who is going to destroy this state with teir idiotic policies and priorities of expenditure and disregard for the multicultural nature of the people of this city vis a vis education

Dara Aria

As one who has spent nearly 12 years of his life in Mumbai, I strongly urge the \"Statue\" be disallowed.

Thanks you Mr Dadlani for taking this on. You have our full support and Thanks!

invest money in Education for poor people

I support this petition whole heartedly

I am sure Shivaji himself would not have approved.

Do we really need it?/ considering their are so many more valid issues at hand...

VisHAL SIr....I always have faith in u nd i kno whatever u will do will always 4 d bettrment of society country nd m lso ur gr8 fan..Eagerly waitin 4 d audio release of AlADiN..

Please save our city from such clutches.

Shivaji is revered & remembered because of he praticsed what he preached. His ideals were honorable and his deeds exemplary. But to think that he is being respected by erecting a statue is a big joke and collosal waste of scarce resources

Lets make a big change to our city\'s running.

Extending my full support! I am an ardent fan of Shivaji Maharaj myself, but this? My conscience doesn\'t allow it. Keep up the good work, Vishal. It\'s very inspiring!

Please find a better way to show case maharashtra to the world, we need not copy the statue of liberty for this

There are so many problems that need to be dealt with and building a statue is just and not a priority.

why not build a sea water desalination plant in the name of why not build a sea water desalination plant in the name of Great Maratha King Raja Shivaji ?

Farmers in U.P. are selling their wives while Ms Mayawati is building her own statues. Why is the government of Maharashtra following her example while farmers in Vidharbha are committing suicide.

I grew up playing on Bombay\'s beaches, Tax payers I am sure, would prefer to see more efficiacious use of their money. Clean the city.

\"We can definitely erect the statute after India\'s immediate top priority issues are resolved\"

Shivaji\'s greatness is legendary. Instead of spending so much money making his statue let us make him proud of Maharashtra by becoming a model state - one in which we celebrate its culture, its heritage, its bounty by treating the state we live in the respect it deserves. We can start by making Maharashtra a clean, environmentally-friendly, educated state.

if at all we are serious about our dreams of an INDIAN society based on justice we cant waste money when thirty percent of our population is below the poverty line. god be with those people who dare to stand up to such wrong practices and for sure they will have my full support

Full support to this PIL, don\'t need to waste money over statues.

Even Shivaji would have cringed to see his statue carved in stone when thousands of people are starving

Please do not waste the money. There are too many hungry mouths and poor children to feed. Put the money towards good use, like education and the poor.

with all due respects to shivaji maharaj,money should be used for developement for uplift of poor people.even maharaj himself would approve it wholehearteddly.

India will truly be shining the day a BPL (Below Poverty Line) child is not compelled to sleep hungry.

350crores..wow.. if i get even 1% or 0.1% of it, i can sponsor atleast 1000 or more kids down in tamilnadu for sure..

This is so true and I am very happy that somebody is taking initiative. I am in... with my full support.

There is no question about the greatness of Shivaji Maharaj but taking mileage out of it that too from taxpayers\' money which would otherwise can be utilized in peoples\' welfare only if our vote hungry politicians could think otherwise.

What a shameful waste when the state has more urgent needs for development- more water power and infrastructure. Is the Maharashtra Government any better than the Mayavati\'s Government. Is this what I am paying for in taxes

It is well said and 100% true...over time the 350 crore may increase..and moreover if you want to spend that on developement only than why not help in the sea-links to build it fast and then naming the sea link... today when the state of maharashtra is mostly declared drought hit and the prices of sugar and other consumables shooting up why dont you use that money??

PLEASE USE THAT FUND FOR DEVELOPEMENT

Use this money for the poor kids, rural development and other such most visible areas and with this Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj would smile from top there.

I am all for pride in our heritage, but see this investment in our children and their education as a more pressing area to spend money on.

Pls stop this nonsense and use that money for a better cause. There are people starving and others who suffer. So pls help them, not our \'intelligent\' level-headed educated politicians who only want to do this for a power trip..

350 crores .............. ahaaaa WHY DONT YOU USE IT FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY, ILLITERACY, UNEMPLOYMENT, ETC...AND MANY OTHER MAJOR PROBLEMS . Think about it...........

This petition is not regarding just this monument, but all the unnecessary expense which out government does, and has being doing it since ages. If we go to see practically, we have lit more money, which can be sufficient for 10 monuments, including the infrastructure, but as we know, corruption has taken over humanity, sincerity, and dedication. The government charges for so many stuff, and looking at the population, where does the money go? Just because we are tolerant, the government has no right to spend our money in the way you want. Spend the money on other things. Use ur brains on how to save billion liters of rain water which is drained every year into the sea, and we don’t have problem of water shortage throughout the year. First spend our money on basic needs of the country, then spend on such things.

This is a waste of money. Use the money to build good schools and upgrade some of the third rate hospitals for the poor in our country.

Thank goodness this PIL is being filed.

No more statues Pleeeeeease!!! What a waste of money! When will this foolishness stop? Haseena Vahanvaty

The Mayawati Plague ..This is exactly what the current State Government is ailing from ..building statues as the State machinery slowly comes to a standstill due to \'insufficient funds\' . Well if the cabinet had not allocated money to these projects in the first place Uttar Pradesh may have seen considerable social development. Let us not allow these foolish minds to take us down that path. Tourists will come to Mumbai regardless of water monuments if the streets are clean, If there are educated individuals who respect each other\'s rights as citizens, where social development has improved the lives of the general population. Shivaji Maharaj was a great man. A man we all respect highly but if he was alive in today\'s day and age he would gotten onto that horse of his...rode into parliament and challenged this very Cabinet with his mighty sword of justice. He was a man of the people. People don\'t pay taxes so people from Japan can come with their little cameras for a kodak moment. They pay for progress. This is not progress. This is like buying a Louis Vuitton bag when you can\'t even afford to pay your electricity bill for a day. Absolutely Disgraceful. May the Judiciary take the Government to task. Jai Hind.

This outrageous - what else can we do to stop this

its a great thing that vishal has done....for this can never be achieved if it only has the common man\'s name attached to it...great going vishal!!:)

Are the stones, bricks or motar or whatever to be mined from the heads of the worthy politicians?

I don\'t live in India, however this is one reason India is not getting far,politician and gov. is corupted, sorry but it is the fact. I love India, it is place i was born. I am happy that people are taking incharge of there country and not letting Gov. go crazy and ruin the country.

Please donot distroy our Mumbai

Having this statue build at this phenominal cost is not going to make Shivaji any greater than he already is in the minds of his followers. I am sure that he too, being the astute and clever person that he was would approve far more to this money being spend wisely - health care, education, eradication of poverty, conserving our fast diminishing wildlife, better roads and safety..... The list is endless. Let us not be blinkered in our approach to the future. There is tremendous work that NEEDS to be done for our people and building statues is certainly NOT one of them.

The Funding can indeed be used for development of our country and to curb the problems of poverty, unemployment, illiteracy that our country is facing

the money should be used for the hundred other things that mumbai actually needs

Lets use our cash reserves more effectively.

Shivaji will always live on in the history books and memories of the people of Maharashtra. I am sure he would not want this kind of money to be spent just to glorify his name. He would want the money to be spent for some worthy cause to uplift the poor.

thank you Vishal... in times when we all are submerged in our own problems it is praiseworthy that you\'ve put in your time for this cause... as you rightly said the money can certainly be used to finish the incomplete work on the city\'s roads... not only will the money be rightly used for more pressing reasons it will also boost our economy as lesser fuel would be required, which is otherwise wasted by vehicles stranded in traffic jams... (especially in places where there is a traffic jam every single day, and as such have been for almost 10 years...)

With the entire Mumbai in a mess, with roads and infrastructure the way they are; with our idea of civic sensea and all the problems of finding suitable accomodation for the slum dwellers and the whole of the nation waiting with bated breath for the next terrorist attack, I think this is one monument we can do without. Let\'s make Mumbai a better place for its people who struggle in their lives day after day, rather than plan a monument for a personality who is no more. Lets inform the citizenry of his deeds and motivate our people and most of all, our netas to emulate them.

Totally in agreement with the views presented. I think more then any landmark the people, efficient infrastucture and good governance of the city make it worth. This PIL is step taken in right direction and i hope it goes far in gaining more support and a final sucess. I love my city please preserve it!

What are our priorities? Feeding the hungry or building unproductive edifices? If honouring Shivaji (who was a great patriot) is the goal, why not earmark the money towards setting up an irrigation project in rural Maharashtra and dedicating it to the great warrior?

Very sad that our politicians cannot see the true priorities as so many signatories have already listed. Basic education, clean wate, health care, clean air, affordable housing are still unavailable to millions. Surely these should be areas of priorities. When all basic needs are met there will still be so many more. Let the Judicial system reflect and support the true needs of the people. Thank you.

I feel that the words \"and as Bombayites, Mumbaikars, Bambaiwallahs,\" are unnecessary and distract from the purpose of the petition. Please consider shortening the sentence to \"We the citizens of India, Maharashtra and Mumbai, pray ...\" etc. I also feel that the last paragraph, about handing surplus funds over to a committee of eminent citizens, should not form part of this PIL. It may distract the attention of the court from the main issue at hand and unnecessarily prolong the hearing and judgment.

the Mah govt should rise above electoral gimmicks. already the arabian sea has been festooned unnecessarily and expensively by the BWSL and certainly any statue is one too many. it is time we honour our heroes and heroines in spirit and actions.

If built it will be an ugly display of politician writ over sensible justice.

we don\'t need a statue of shivaji to honour him, we honour him with our actions.

Thank you, we have to be vigilant & oppose such environmental matters.

Do something for all MUMBAIKARS\' that Marathi manoos will be proud to show not only India but the World, that we have thought of all the local people who have made Maharashtra, and no political angle or milage is attached but the betterment of the Maharashtra state as a whole. Ceers.

the money the govt. is wasting to glorify shivaji , by making his statue can be well used to educate millions of uneducated kids thereby ensuring the next gen a better future.

PLEASE USE OUR HARD EARNED MONEY TO HELP THE POOR-TO BUILD HOUSES-TO EDUCATE THE POOR--TO IMPROVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE-TO HAVE MORE BUSES-ETC. ETC..

Somewhere our dear politicians fail to acknowledge and recognise the contribution that this King made towards his people. Instead of using the resources to develop infrastructure and for social good these self declared SHIVAJIS\' deem to glorify a name and not his dedication to the welfare of the polity. SHAME ON THEM FOR CRIMINAL WASTE OF PUBLIC FUNDS.

If statues could cry I am sure this one would have (if/when constructed)!!! What a disgrace to the great leader!

This is pure insanity on the part of the government to even think of using 350 crores of our hard earned money to build a statue when over 50% of population in the city of Mumbai lives in slums and where the rate of farmer suicide in the state is one suicide every 8 hours due to debt.

BUILD SCHOOLS AND HOSPITALS INSTEAD

The dreams of transforming Mumbai into another Shanghai will not be achieved by building statues...don\'t we have enough already?. There are many things the money could be well spent on. There are many pending issues that needs to be addressed on a top priority and urgent basis, like bringing in accountability, taking care of the electricity problems, eliminating corruption form the governing bodies and the public,population control,environmental protection,teaching cleanliness and moral values in all municipal and other schools.. Then perhaps will today\'s young generation be better citizens of tomorrow and bring about a positive and a much needed change.Today\'s public is quite fed up, aware and intelligent and will not tolerate this absurd and foolish waste of their hard earned Tax money if the govt\' goes about in such wasteful and anti progressive plans.

It is mandatory to take Environment clearance certificate under Rules of Environmental Impact Assessment Notifications 1992. Please check whether the authorities have taken such certificate.

I do not agree that a statue be built at a time when the city needs more money to build infrastructure

Absolutely right. Money to be spent on building the statue should be spent on basic infrastructure which is lacking. Once we have everything in place then we can have the statue built at a later date

In this year of drought to even contemplate this kind of wasted expense is a tragic indictment of the lack of caring for the poorer sections of our society

the environmental cost of such a monument will be ridiculously high as will the impact of the same on local fishing communities. please consider this aspect as well.

I would suggest that every paisa that this state or city can afford to spare must be used to upgrade physical and social infrastructure. This 350 crores should be diverted to the extension of the Bandra sea link to Nariman Point.

Please consider this: IF we have ALL the famous and revered Leaders of Maharashtra , we would be doing a diservice to our Ocean,which will be filled with statues and countless marine lives ,that will be affected; Let us use our God-give Sense , that we forget so many times: Common sense! Thank you.

let\'s not become another state like the \"elephant\" state and utilise our resources for the betterment of our people.

there is no need to form a committee as the state is reeling under drought and farmers are committing suicide and hence the money can be diverted if surplus to developmental works

This money needs to to used for the needs of the state - infrastructure, education, medical facilities, water for irrigation..... thus honouring the memory of a great king who cared for his people.

Can it get more annoying than this? Our tax money on a statue when there are millions who are unable to get a square meal a day. Not only should this entire project be squashed, the ones who have raised this issue of erecting the statue should be sued for diverting public funds

We can better our infrastructure - roads, rail,more sealinks or solve our water problems forever by putting desalination plants in the sea and naming these in the memory of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

not only it shoudl not be allowed, but such politicians should be disqualified from any major political decision making process for being so parochial

There are better ways to spend public money like educating and providing housing to the poor rather than erecting statues which is a total waste of money!

Please use this money for improvement of our beloved city, in removing the slums and providing housing to those dwellers, in education, in beautifying the city by upgrading the roads, eliminating the rampant corruption. Our beloved city of Mumbai attracts people from all over the world. I am very sure the great king that Chhatrapati shivaji was, he would have used that money towards the greater good of the Mumbaikars, instead of his statue.

Instead of spending 350 crores on a monument, the broke Maharashtra Government should look at using these funds equity capital and further raising another 650 crores and developing the marine drive bay as a marine sports cum tourist attraction project that will generate revenue and increase tourism. The government will get more votes from Mumbaikars by proposing such a project. Myself, as a marine infrastructure expert, can help them to conceptualize and implement such a project taking the PPP route.

I wonder what is the difference between Mayawati and our state leaders. Possibly, Mayawati would not erect Shivaji\'s statue.

A scandalous and utterly wasteful project; there are any number of worthy infrastructure projects to focus on instead of this absurd statue. The Trans Harbour Link, in limbo for decades, would be an infinitely greater testimonial to Shivaji and be of infinitely greater value to Mumbai\'s citizens, so we can only hope the Govt will focus on that.

First Mayawati, then this. Charging the taxpayer to reinforce the historical delusions of the ruling party is nothing short of a criminal enterprise.

Its shows that how gov\'t are misusing our revenue on statues.Mumbai will not become shangai by doing these type of investment.Chhatrapati shivaji maharaj was the great leader who fight for our freedoms.So jaago gov\'t jaago....

Please save money for the needy. With all regards, Rohit Dass

Our politicians are ruining our country for their own personal economic and political gains!

The Maratha politicians are making a \"Mayawati\" of the great Shivaji!

The money can be put to better use for development of the city and the several other problems the city is facing.

Let the scope of the PIL be limited to the prayer to restrain the Government of Maharashtra from undertaking the buillding of the monument in view of the stringent financial conditions, heavy borrowings already outstanding and the drought conditions. It is out of the jurisdiction of the Hon. High Court to issue administative directions to the constitutionally elected democratic State Government.Let there be no cause for rejection of PIL and or Appeal to the Supreme Court.

My sincere request to our govt is to plz use this crores of Rupees, to improve our Infrastructure also for badly Drought hit areas , stop the game of Politics

We urge the courts to restrict the use of public funds to essential civic, health and security services.

Its not just about how we gave them respect. It is just about helping those people again for whom these gr8 warrior have given their life

Can\'t the money be put to better use?

Please save the money for the needy!!

I am sure the government can think of better uses for Rs 350 crores for Mumbai City

An optional way to spend this money is public transport. Implementing 2 more tracks on both of IR network would ease the rush in local train during peak hours.

Building a Rs 350 cr statue in today\'s times is against basic common sense!

I thoroughly agree with this petition and am glad there is a movement against it. All the best for its success.

Stop this unnecessary wastage of Money. Please !

:(

I can understand the need - both political and otherwise - to want to put up the statue. But Rs 350 crores? That\'s ridiculous. Even the USA got the Statue of Liberty as a gift from France, they didn\'t pay for it themselves! If you have to honor Shivaji this way, fine, have a statue in the sea for Rs 35 crores. Spend the rest on the city, the people - that\'ll also work politically for the vote bank, so it\'s practical from every point of view.

350 crores....the possible positive use of that much moneys is endless...and all they cud come up was a statue :) now do u regret not turning up to vote??? Ha ha

Professionals Party of India, for Better Governance! www.ppi.net.in (although pegged at 200 crores,, the project when completed with a boulevard & museum will cost the excequer not less than 5000-8000crores! please beware of this sinister design of our unenlightened political managers.

Dont you guys dare to play with my money

This nonsense has to stop

Please use the money to improve conditions in Bombay

Save!

well i definitely agree....its not a good option to spend the Tax Payer\'s money on such a hopeless cause..what are we trying to prove?...no offense to Chhatrapati shivaji Maharaj...i respect him a lot....but not a statute plz...

I\'m sure Shivaji himself would disagree to the 350 cr statue of him. This must not happen.

we don\'t pay taxes to support your frivolous whims.

Ridiculous waste of public money

Look!!! And if you can\'t then LISTEN!

History is all about the past. And there is really no point burning precious tax payers money trying to create monuments that hold on to the past. Especially when this is at the cost of precious infrastructure which the city is absolutely in need of!

350 cr can be spent on- 1-repairing the drainage system of Mumbai 2-Repairing road works 3- Improving the water, electricity condition of Maharashtra 4- Improving condition or giving farmers hope and money and stability in their life and business so they don\'t commit suicide. there too many other things that could be done to improve India and Maharashtra from 350 cr then built the statue if Shivaji which is not going to be of any useful . We all love him and respect him but m sure if he would have been living(in case) he would have help him fellow maharashtrian people then built something like this.....please Govt dont act like politician and act like humans.....

its extremely ironic that the very people who\'s interest are going to be harmed with wastage of public money are the ones who the politicians are hoping to appease. How many poor kids could be educated if this money was put to proper use.

There\'s an endless list of priorities other than a statue. Let all help up to Rs.320 crores be in name of Shvaji. he will be much better remembered by all.

We most definately love Shivaji and respect him for his work for the land. But this is not the way to show respect. Dear politicians please work and sacrifice like him to honour him and his work. Building statues won\'t help.

hahahhhaah@ all of you who signed this , thinking that they would stop jus because you guys signed a petition. this is india.

\'Politicians don\'t know to rock \'n roll...\'

Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a widely respected figure in Indian history. It is a shame that his name is used by politicians to gain personal fame. This money is public property. Use them to create funds for the Maharastra farmers and name the funds after Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. That will be showing true respect to him.

Please use the 350 crores to teach crores of children! You have a good chance of willing the next election that way.

Its high time our politicians stop behaving funny. dunno what they wanna prove by making statues? rather put in the money where required and take some blessings of the poor needy people. wasting 350crores?????? wake up n stop dis folly. n we citizens need to wake up and protest in ordre to stop them fro mthis non sense.

Feeding the poor and providing infrastructure to the country coupled with not allowing the enemies to attack are most important than building structures at this cost. Even the Great Warrior sivaji would welcome this.

there sure is a better way of remembering Shivaji by putting up hospitals and schools for the poor.

stop spending the people\'s money..more than the statue..feed the hungry kids!

Please Stop making Statues (of either current or historic importance) and rather do something LIVE for the Living People!

Let this money be deployed to cut down our travel time within Mumbai! Local train travel time (Borivali- Churchgate)=1hr 15 mins (Min) This Distance (Approx)= 38 kms therefore avg approx Speed of local train = 33kms per hr If this speed by use to technology is increased to even 60kms per hr then the travel time would be hardly half an hour for this distance!! This would reduce the load on the trains too as more trains would ply in the same time!! Same case, the roads,pathetic bottlenecks everywhere. Another suggestion use this money for building a top state of the art residential township facility for all the top govt officials of railways, BMC, MMRDA etc but keep the location in a far off place , say BOISAR OR VIRAR OR KARJAT!! Make it compulsory for these officials to stay there only. And soon enough they will think of deploying our moneies into projects to cut down thier travel time within Mumbai to work!! THUS HELPING THE COMMON MUMBAIKAR TOO.

Use that money to help the pooe instead or build them good houses, instead of this statue.

Chhatrapti shivaji maharaj worked for welfare of common people and instead of wasting money like this and causing ecological disaster politicians should initiate a plan for welfare of farmers under his name!

I completely agree with what\'s been written in the above article, and give whole support to the cause being promoted here...

Not only is this is a waste of money and resources for a needless activity, it is a major concern in terms of damage to environment and ecology.

Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a respected figure in India.He was truly a brave solidier.If he would have been alive he would not have supported such act by politicians. We all have seen such act by Madam Mayavati who wants to blow her trumpet. Please do not spend public money for this. Thankyou

Please use the money for development of the city of Mumbai which is in a complete shambles.This will be a better way to honour the great king shivaji - a monstrous statue will achieve nothing except line many pockets !!