Demand Grows to Revive Kolhapur’s Historic Shahu Mill Under Government Control, Protest Intensifies

A fresh wave of protests in Kolhapur has reignited demands to restart the historic Shahu Mill under government control, with strong opposition to privatization and calls for preserving its legacy

Kolhapur | 17 March, 2026: The demand to revive the historic Shahu Mill in Kolhapur has once again gained momentum, with local leaders and activists insisting that the mill should be restarted under government control rather than being handed over to private entities.

Leading the demand, MP Shahu Chhatrapati has strongly opposed any move towards privatization. He emphasized that the mill, which holds significant historical and social importance, should remain in public ownership and be revived at the earliest.

The Shahu Mill, originally established in 1906 by Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, has remained shut since 2003. Spread across nearly 27 acres, the site is considered a heritage landmark, with long-pending demands to both restart textile operations and develop a memorial honoring Shahu Maharaj.

Activists and workers’ unions argue that reviving the mill could generate employment and restore its original vision of inclusive economic empowerment. They have also raised concerns about potential private interests eyeing the land, warning against any move that could compromise its heritage value.

Protesters are also pushing for the construction of a memorial on part of the land, while utilizing the remaining space for industrial revival. The issue has sparked wider public discussion, with increasing pressure on the state government to take a clear stand.Officials have indicated that discussions with the textile department and state authorities are expected, but no concrete timeline has been announced yet.

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