Raj Thackeray Congratulates Marathi People as 12 Shivaji-Era Forts Get UNESCO World Heritage Status

Raj Thackeray Congratulates Marathi People as 12 Shivaji-Era Forts Get UNESCO World Heritage Status

Mumbai | July 12, 2025 – Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has congratulated the people of Maharashtra through a heartfelt message on social media, following UNESCO’s decision to grant World Heritage Site status to 12 historic forts built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the revered Maratha king and symbol of Swarajya.

In a statement filled with pride and caution, Thackeray noted,

“This is a matter of great joy. Out of the 12 forts, 11 are located in Maharashtra, while the Jinji Fort is in Tamil Nadu. This recognition not only honors our glorious past but also proves how far the idea of Swarajya, seeded by Shivaji Maharaj, had spread across India.”

Thackeray emphasized the deep cultural ties between Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, stating that the recognition of Jinji Fort is a reminder of the age-old bridge between two languages and civilizations.

However, the MNS leader also raised a red flag. While appreciating the recognition, he urged the state government to act with responsibility and urgency, stressing that UNESCO’s heritage status comes with strict conservation norms.

“UNESCO does not hand out these honors lightly, and it can withdraw the status if preservation criteria are not met. This has happened before in Oman’s Arabian Oryx Sanctuary and Germany’s Dresden Valley. Let this not happen to the forts of our Maharaj.”

Thackeray called for the immediate removal of all unauthorized structures from these forts, regardless of the religion or caste of the encroachers. He slammed previous governments for neglecting these sites and failing to leverage Maharashtra’s rich heritage to boost tourism and the local economy.

“For years, I’ve said – if Maharashtra preserves Shivaji Maharaj’s forts and develops our beautiful coastline with proper infrastructure, our tourism and economy will thrive like never before.”

He also demanded that alongside UNESCO funds, the state government must allocate additional resources for fort conservation and development.

Raj Thackeray concluded his message with congratulations to the Marathi people and a strong reminder to the authorities:

“Let this not just be a moment of celebration, but a reminder of the responsibility that comes with honor.”

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The 12 Forts Recognized by UNESCO:

• 11 in Maharashtra (names to be confirmed)
• 1 in Tamil Nadu: Jinji Fort

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