Sir, please just let it go. You will just NEVER understand what a large no of Maharashtrians feel (maharashtrians meaning people of Maharashtra, about 35 to 40pct of whom non marathis).
We can LITERALLY point out a million other wastes of money, anti development policies, anti national policies and politics carried out in other states of India. And Shivaji is our ultimate hero, and all his stories that tell our children are of benevolence, pragmatism and about INDIAN nationalism. Nobody will tell a Sikh Ranjeet Singh was over rated, but every two bit academician from a particular political leaning will belittle Shivaji. Why? Because in the end we can be taken for granted. Our Indian nationalism can be taken for granted unlike a dozen other states. Let us build a statue. Yes the money can be better used. Every cent the gov't spends can be better used. Don't pick on Shivaji. He united us. And we have replicated that spirit in Maharashtra, which is a mini India today. If you can't appreciate it, at least keep out. A humble request because I respect your work.