Shivaji Statues in Telangana

Lately, I was travelling Northern Telanagana. What's up with the statues of King Shivaji? He was neither a Telugite nor someone who helped Telugu people. He was a typical king who wanted to guard and expand his kingdom, not at all related to us. I'd rather home statues of Chaakali Ailamma, Komaram bheem, etc.