The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) held a protest in Mumbai against the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government following the collapse of a 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sindhudurg district. Top opposition leaders, including Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena UBT), Nana Patole (state Congress president), and Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP), led the protest, which was titled “Chappal Jode Maaro Yatra” (hit with footwear). The march began at Hutatma Chowk and proceeded to the Shivaji statue at the Gateway of India, with demonstrators carrying large slippers to symbolize their dissatisfaction.
Statue Collapse Sparks Controversy
The statue, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022, collapsed on August 26, with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attributing the incident to strong winds. However, opposition parties accused the government of negligence and demanded accountability for the mishap.
Protest and Police Presence
Despite heavy police deployment in South Mumbai, the Mumbai Police did not grant permission for the protest march and only allowed a gathering at Hutatma Chowk. Senior leaders, including Pawar, Thackeray, and Patole, laid wreaths at the memorial before proceeding towards the Gateway of India. Protesters carried placards and shouted slogans, criticizing the Shinde government for the statue collapse.
BJP’s Response
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the protest, calling it a “political move” by the opposition. He accused the Congress and MVA of disrespecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, citing historical grievances like Nehru’s portrayal of Shivaji in The Discovery of India and the destruction of a Shivaji statue in Madhya Pradesh under Congress rule.
Fadnavis further questioned the Congress’s narrative on Shivaji, challenging the party to apologize for misrepresenting the Maratha king in history books, including claims that he looted Surat, which he stated were false.
MVA’s Demands
The MVA remained firm in its demand for accountability over the statue collapse, calling for an investigation into the incident and for the government to take responsibility for the negligence. The protest highlights the rising political tensions in Maharashtra ahead of upcoming elections, with both sides exchanging accusations over the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
