The announcement by the state government of expediting the issue of Chhatrapati Shivaji memorial was along expected mainly due to the prevailing political atmosphere, where such issues take precedence over other matters like guarantee of a safe and peaceful life for the citizenry — especially the womenfolk — for the ruling Congress-NCP coalition.

The government has announced a committee, to be headed by guardian minister for the island city Jayant Patil. The phrasing of the announcement was carefully chosen by CM Prithviraj Chavan as he said an ‘appropriate’ memorial of the Maratha king will be set up and the committee will monitor and follow up the process. The panel is expected to coordinate with central agencies for necessary clearances from Coastal Regulatory Development Authority and Union Environment Ministry.