Pune (Maharashtra): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Friday, paid rich tributes to the legendary queen Ahilyabai Holkar, describing her as a timeless visionary whose reforms resonate with the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat and modern-day women empowerment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Speaking ahead of Ahilyabai Holkar’s 300th birth anniversary celebrations in Pune, Fadnavis highlighted her contributions to temple restoration, women’s safety, and infrastructure, calling her “Punyashlok” — a ruler blessed with virtue and foresight.
“Even in her era, Ahilyabai created a women’s battalion in her army, trained them, and ensured their leadership in security roles. This vision of women leading from the front continues today under PM Modi. Just recently, during Operation Sindoor, we saw two women officers conducting official briefings — a testament to the empowerment given by our Prime Minister,” he said.
The Chief Minister drew a historical parallel, stating that foreign invaders attacked India’s soul by targeting its culture and spiritual landmarks. “They attacked not just our land but our spirit — temples, jyotirlingas, Shakti Peeths — all faced destruction. Ahilyabai took it upon herself to rebuild and restore them. She went far beyond her own kingdom of Maheshwar or Indore and worked across the country,” Fadnavis said.
Criticizing how Indian history often overlooks such figures, Fadnavis remarked, “The way we were taught history makes it seem like the Mughals vanished and then the British arrived, with nothing significant in between. But we had powerful reformers like Ahilyabai who silently shaped the nation.”
Ahilyabai Holkar is remembered for her progressive governance, with a special focus on women’s rights, education, and economic empowerment. She championed local crafts, particularly supporting women weavers and popularizing Maheshwari sarees. Her infrastructure projects — including dharamshalas, ghats, water bodies, and roads — remain symbolic of her inclusive development model.
Fadnavis also addressed concerns surrounding the Ladki Bahin Yojana, which has recently come under political scrutiny. Dismissing allegations of misuse, he assured that corrective action is underway.
“Since its inception, we’ve been identifying false claims under the scheme. Individuals who wrongfully took benefits are being weeded out, and once the process is complete, a full report will be released,” he said.
His remarks came in response to criticism by Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, including Sanjay Raut and Aaditya Thackeray, who accused the government of betraying electoral promises and drastically cutting the scheme’s benefits.
The Ladki Bahin Yojana aims to support eligible women through financial aid, but opposition leaders allege that the number of beneficiaries is being deliberately reduced. The state government has defended the initiative as a work in progress, reaffirming its commitment to women’s welfare.
As Maharashtra gears up to honor the legacy of Ahilyabai Holkar, her message of justice, empowerment, and resilience remains more relevant than ever — a beacon for both past glory and future ambition.
