Does any Indian want a statue? : Rajev Paul

The recent buzz is that actor Rajev Paul who kept us entertained throughout Bigg Boss Season 6 is now taking a step ahead as a responsible citizen. The actor is planning to file a Right to Information Application (RTI) and a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the proposed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in the Arabian Sea.

In conversation with Tellybuzz, Rajev speaks about the present scenario of our country. He says, "A state like Maharashtra, which is struggling with so many problems like increasing farmer suicide rates, horrible road conditions, and rise in the price of basic amenities, is it worth spending crores of rupees on a statue?"

In regards to the statistics, Rajev goes on to say, "In 2009, the statue would cost 100 crores and the current cost is more than 350 crores.  That is roughly 1 crore / feet and I'm sure the cost will escalate several times in the coming time. Is this justified?"

In a country where Uttarakhand tragedy is unimaginable in terms of monetary and human loss, actor Rajev Paul raises a question to the Indian Government – From where does the State and Central Government get money to fund for the planned Shivaji statue? Is constructing a statue worth crores, need of the hour?

He further says, "I've got in touch with my lawyer to follow an appropriate legal procedure. Soon, I'm planning to file a Right to Information Application (RTI) and a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in order to seek answers to my concern about the money allotted to build a 312 feet statue amidst of Arabian Sea. Does any Indian want a statue rather than the much required development?"

Talking about his contribution at an individual level, Rajev says, "I'm an actor by profession and I'm doing well with my work. If I'm concerned about my country that doesn't mean I should join Politics. As an educated and aware citizen, I contribute to the taxes from time to time. I pay my income tax, service tax, road tax while purchasing a car and other duly taxes. It is our money through which the Government is running our nation. Therefore, it is my fundamental right to raise any question concerning it".

Rajev also says that he is not against the great warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji's statue, but he is against the concept of a statue and the money drained for it. "It's high time the statues start acting", he says.

When asked about his dream India, the actor says, "I dream of my India to be one of the finest country with proper law and order, where a rupee would be equivalent to 100 dollars."

Concluding with a message, Rajev says, "Please use your rights. The more supportive you'll be, the better our nation would turn out to be. In fact I would be more happy if more people raise their voice against such issues."