NASRAPUR, June 27: They call themselves the pride of Chatrapati Shivaji, invoking his name almost religiously to rule Maharashtra. But when it comes to the upkeep of the only obelisk dedicated to the great Maratha, the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance is clearly found wanting on every front.

The memorial to Shivaji at Nasrapur, some 30 km from Pune on the highway to Bangalore, is today a classic case of monumental neglect, a rather sad commentary on the State Government's efforts to keep alive the very name which helped the saffron combine storm to power.

It is 16 months since Chief Minister Manohar Joshi made an unscheduled halt here and ordered the upkeep of the Swarajya Commemoration Pillar. But these turned out to be mere empty words. For, the area today presents a pathetic sight. Only litter and an unbearable stench greet the visitor.

The sleek, sturdy 18 feet tall monument was erected in 1945 by the then Raja of Bhor along with historians and history lovers from Pune. The objective was to commemorate the tri-centenary of the historic oath that Shivaji took in the temple of Rohideshwar near Bhor. Atop a lofty mountain in 1645, he swore to attain Swarajya. The men behind the obelisk thought the memorial would also inspire future generations, reminding them of the Maratha glory.

But all that remains now is a non-descript spot on the side of the highway, littered with plastic bags, paper scraps, garbage. The graffitti on the marble plaques can hardly befit any memorial.

Bhalchandrarao Patwardhan, the maternal grandson of the late H H Shrimant Raja, Sir Raghunathrao Babasaheb Pant Sachiv of Bhor, who was the brain behind the obelisk, is now writing to the Chief Minister.His plea is that the Shiv Sena which ``enjoys an ovrwhelming mandate on the basis of its commitment to Shivshahi must ensure proper maintenance of a monument to a great event that initiated a whole philosophy of self-determination.''

``I passed by the site a few weeks ago and was absolutely appalled to notice that the place had become filthier than ever before. More shocking was the fact that no cognisance seemed to have been taken of the Chief Minister's personal visit and, if reports are to be believed, the intervention was to improve conditions.''

Patwardhan wants the Chief Minister to ``issue instructions to the Building and Construction Department or other departments concerned for the proper upkeep of the monument with a security guard on duty and with periodic checks and controls. Alternatively, consider handing over the site for maintenance to any non-governmental organisation with necessary experience in such undertakings.''

The Shri Shivaji Vidyalaya, a municipal school near the memorial, which on its own sends students to try and maintain the memorial under the National Service Scheme (NSS), provides the only saving grace. But the school authorities say they are unable to prevent Banjaras from pitching tents there frequently.

More than 50 years ago, when the Raja of Bhor was told by the historians that a memorial would be a befitting way to mark 300 years of the Swarajya oath, he promptly agreed and released a grant of Rs 20,000. But the Raja's foresight told him that the obelisk should be located at a suitable spot.

Said the Raja: ``This site is just right for the obelisk. The road to Raigad, Shivaji's first Capital, branches off from here. Chatrapati Rajaram Maharaj, Shivaji's eldest son, was born atop Raigad. In future, many people will pass this site to visit Raigad and Torna and relive the glory of yore.''

``The road adjoining the site of the proposed pillar is to be developed as a national highway. It will be one of the major highways of the region in the future. We are erecting the pillar here so that people who take the highway should be able to visit it without any difficulty.''

Today, the obelisk stands next to the Pune-Bangalore highway. Thousands drive past everyday. Yet the majority do not even care to glance at the obelisk. And to think that this should happen when there is so much talk of embracing Shivshahi all over again.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.