Political Storm Erupts Over Collapse Of Shivaji Statue In Maharashtra

Maharashtra's political landscape experienced turbulence as Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray fiercely criticized the Eknath Shinde-led government over the recent collapse of a 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sindhudurg. Thackeray condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's apology for the incident, calling it arrogant and dismissive of the serious concerns raised by the people of Maharashtra.

Thackeray Accuses Modi Of Covering Up Corruption

Addressing a rally organized by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which saw leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) join forces, Uddhav Thackeray accused the Prime Minister of attempting to cover up the corruption that led to the statue's downfall. The statue, unveiled by Modi just eight months ago, fell on August 26, sparking a massive political controversy just before Maharashtra’s Assembly elections.

Thackeray Calls Modi’s Apology Full Of Arrogance

"The Prime Minister's apology was full of arrogance," Thackeray declared at the protest, which concluded at Mumbai's iconic Gateway of India. He likened the statue's collapse to other controversial projects, such as the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the new Parliament complex, suggesting similar issues of poor quality and corruption marred them.

Eknath Shinde Calls Out Identity And Faith

The BJP and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena have dismissed the opposition's protests as political maneuvering. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde responded by arguing that the issue should not be politicized, stating, "This is a matter of identity and faith. The opposition is trying to make it a political issue." He accused the MVA of engaging in unnecessary politics and predicted that the electorate would hold them accountable in the upcoming elections.

MVA Alliance Performs ‘Jode Maro Andolan’

During the protest, participants from the MVA alliance performed a symbolic act called "jode maro andolan"—literally "hit with slippers"—targeting images of Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and other BJP leaders. Congress leader Nana Patole and NCP chief Sharad Pawar also addressed the crowd, emphasizing that the collapse of the statue represented a grave insult to Shivaji Maharaj's legacy.

Opposition Leaders Slam Government Over Statue Collapse

Patole criticized the current government for allowing what he described as a "Shiv drohi" (anti-Shivaji) administration to come to power, while Pawar called the incident a blatant example of corruption that disrespects Shivaji Maharaj's followers. The situation remains highly charged, with accusations flying from all sides. Police have arrested the structural consultant and contractor involved in the statue project, charging them with serious offenses including attempt to murder and culpable homicide.

जोडे मारा आंदोलन! pic.twitter.com/Ol2xUn2aFK— ShivSena - शिवसेना Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (@ShivSenaUBT_) September 1, 2024