Lagatar24 Desk
Mumbai: In a dramatic showdown in Mumbai, heavy security has been deployed by the Eknath Shinde government ahead of a massive protest led by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) over the recent collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s 35-foot statue in Malvan, Sindhudurg. The statue, which was inaugurated just eight months ago by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has become the epicenter of a fierce political battle in Maharashtra.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has not only questioned the relevance of the protest but also organized a counter-march to challenge the Opposition’s agitation. With a heavy police presence, security forces have gathered at the Gateway of India, which has been closed to tourists citing potential law and order issues.
Prominent leaders from the INDIA bloc, including Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Sharad Pawar, and state Congress president Nana Patole, will participate in the Opposition’s rally. The march, starting from Hutatma Chowk in the Fort area, will culminate at the Gateway of India.
The Opposition has dubbed their agitation the “jode maro” protest, which translates to “hit with footwear.” In a tweet, Shiv Sena (UBT) called on the people of Maharashtra to join the rally and “awaken the pride of Maharashtra.” The NCP’s Sharad Pawar faction declared that there is no forgiveness for “corrupt Shivdrohis,” while the state Congress unit emphasized that the march aims to teach a lesson to those who dishonored Shivaji by doing shoddy work and engaging in corruption.
The collapse of the statue has triggered a major political controversy, with the BJP under fire for alleged negligence. The project was managed by the Navy in collaboration with the state government. In the aftermath, the structural consultant and contractor involved in the project have been arrested and charged with attempt to murder, culpable homicide, and endangering life and safety.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, amid the mounting backlash, issued an apology to the public, stating, “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.”
However, the BJP has dismissed the Opposition’s protest as politically motivated, aimed at influencing the upcoming state elections. BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye questioned the necessity of the protest, pointing out that the Prime Minister had already apologized. He remarked, “Is the PM’s apology not enough? Rahul Gandhi also apologized for his comments on the Rafale episode. Will the MVA stage a similar protest for those apologies?”
The BJP has announced that its youth wing will hold protests near statues of Shivaji Maharaj across Maharashtra to “expose” the Opposition’s alleged superficiality. In Mumbai, a counter-protest led by city BJP chief Ashish Shelar is set to take place in Dadar, underscoring the escalating political tensions in the state.
