Top leaders of the INDIA bloc in Maharashtra—Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, and Nana Patole—joined the protest against the collapse of the Shivaji
Mumbai:
In a strong critique of the Eknath Shinde government over the collapse of a 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray today labeled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s apology as arrogant and claimed that it had been rejected by the people of Maharashtra. Speaking at the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s “jode maro” protest—where participants used footwear to express their anger—Thackeray compared the statue’s collapse to issues like water seeping into the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the new Parliament complex.
“Did you notice the arrogance in the Prime Minister’s apology?” Thackeray said. “What was he apologizing for? For the statue he inaugurated eight months ago? For the corruption involved? The MVA must unite to challenge those who have insulted Shivaji Maharaj. The statue’s collapse is an affront to the spirit of Maharashtra.”
The Prime Minister has apologized to Shivaji’s followers for the collapse of the statue, which has sparked a major political controversy just months before Maharashtra’s Assembly elections.
“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is more than just a name or a king to us; he is our deity. Today, I bow my head at his feet and apologize to him and to those hurt by the statue’s collapse,” the Prime Minister said on Friday.
In response, the BJP and its ally, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, have criticized the Opposition’s protest, accusing them of politicizing the issue despite the Prime Minister’s apology.
Uddhav Thackeray countered these accusations, stating, “The BJP claims we are doing politics, but we are fighting for the state’s honor. We have gathered at the Gateway of India to demand the removal of the Mahayuti government.”
Top leaders of the INDIA bloc in Maharashtra—including Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, and Nana Patole—participated in the protest march from Hutatma Chowk to the Gateway of India.
“The collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue in Sindhudurg is a clear example of corruption and an affront to all Shiv followers,” Thackeray said.
Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole stated that the Opposition sought Shivaji’s forgiveness for allowing such a “Shiv drohi” government to come to power and vowed to prevent it from happening again.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde criticized the Opposition, asserting that Shivaji should not be used as a political tool. “This is a matter of identity and faith. The incident was unfortunate, but the Opposition is politicizing it. In Karnataka, two JCBs were used to dismantle a Shivaji statue, and those responsible should be punished. Instead of addressing that, the MVA is protesting here. The people of Maharashtra are wise and will respond accordingly in the upcoming elections,” Shinde said.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also accused the Opposition of politicizing the issue. “For over 50 years, Congress and NCP leaders have disrespected Shivaji Maharaj. Indira Gandhi never mentioned Shivaji Maharaj from the Red Fort—will Congress apologize for that? While PM Modi has apologized, the Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders are using the issue for political gain with the elections approaching.”
The Shivaji statue in Sindhudurg was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi just eight months ago, with the project managed by the Navy in collaboration with the state government. Police have arrested the structural consultant and contractor involved in the project, charging them with attempt to murder, culpable homicide, and endangering public safety.
Leave feedback about this