Opposition's protest against the collapse of Shivaji's statue (X/debabrato1)
New Delhi: In Mumbai, top figures from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray and Nana Patole have rallied for a significant protest against the recent collapse of Chhattrapati Shivaji's 35-foot statue in Malvan, Sindhudurg. This protest, named "Jode Maro," meaning "hit with footwear," has drawn considerable attention and led to extensive security measures throughout the city.
The protest began at Hutatma Chowk in the Fort area and proceeded to the Gateway of India. In preparation for the march, the Eknath Shinde government has enforced a heavy security presence. The Gateway of India, a prominent tourist site, has been closed to the public due to concerns about law and order.
Mumbai: Maha Vikas Aghadi, BJP hold separate protests over Shivaji statue collapse
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) September 1, 2024
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/aKsUa6IFBQ #ShivajiMaharajStatueCollapse #MVA #BJP pic.twitter.com/Qdjwx9KG58
#WATCH | MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi) holds a protest march in Mumbai from Hutatma Chowk to Gateway of India, over Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue collapse incident.
— ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2024
NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole and… pic.twitter.com/Nr1aGhCMTA
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticized the protest, questioning its legitimacy and purpose. In response, the BJP has organized its own march to counter the opposition's demonstration.
The Shiv Sena (UBT), a key player in the opposition bloc, has encouraged people to join the protest to "bow at Shivaji's feet and awaken the pride of Maharashtra." The faction led by Sharad Pawar has condemned the "corrupt Shivdrohis," while the Congress party has asserted that the march aims to hold accountable those who committed corruption and showed disrespect towards Shivaji.
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde condemns MVA protest over Shivaji statue collapse, stating "This is a very sad thing for us...Shivaji Maharaj cannot be a political issue for us, this is a matter of identity and faith for us. The incident that happened was unfortunate. Doing politics on it is more sad thing and the opposition is doing politics on this. Two JCBs were brought to break the statue of Shivaji Maharaj in Karnataka and that statue was uprooted, those who did this should be beaten. Instead of doing this, they (MVA) are protesting here, but the people of Maharashtra are wise, they are seeing this. In the coming elections, the people of Maharashtra will beat them with shoes."
#WATCH | On the MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi) protest ver Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue collapse incident, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde says, "...This is s very sad thing for us...Shivaji Maharaj cannot be a political issue for us, this is a matter of identity and faith for us.… pic.twitter.com/6rSpxMgApG
— ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2024
The statue, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi only eight months ago, has become a focal point of political controversy in Maharashtra. The project, which involved the Indian Navy working in conjunction with the state government, has faced severe backlash after the statue's collapse. Authorities have arrested the structural consultant and contractor responsible for the project. They face charges including attempt to murder, culpable homicide, and acts endangering public safety.
Amid the political uproar, Prime Minister Modi has issued an apology regarding the statue's collapse. He stated, "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a name or a king. For us, he is our deity. Today, I bow my head at his feet and apologize to my deity. I also apologize to the people hurt by the collapse."
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has accused the opposition of using the issue for political gain. He remarked, "For more than 50 years, leaders of the Congress and NCP have been insulting Shivaji Maharaj. Indira Gandhi never spoke a word about Shivaji Maharaj from the Red Fort, will the Congress apologize? PM Modi has apologized, but Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders are politicizing the issue because the polls are approaching."
State BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye has criticized the opposition’s show of devotion as insincere. "Is the PM's apology not enough? Rahul Gandhi had also apologized for his comments on the Rafale episode. Will they (MVA) stage a similar protest for these apologies?" Upadhye questioned.
The BJP's youth wing plans to hold demonstrations near Shivaji Maharaj statues across Maharashtra to expose what they view as the opposition's lack of genuine commitment. Upadhye accused previous Congress-led governments of failing to protect Shivaji’s legacy.
In Mumbai, the BJP is also organizing a counter-protest in Dadar under the leadership of city party chief Ashish Shelar, aiming to challenge the opposition's narrative.
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