The Maharashtra Chief of Shiv Sena (UBT) Uddhav Thackeray blamed the new state government led by Eknath Shinde over the mishap of the 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji and dismissed the apologetic remark made by the PM Narendra Modi as arrogant and arguing that people have rejected this comment. Delivering a speech during the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s “jode maro” protest over statue collapse, Thackeray drew parallel to water leakage in the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and new Parliament house. He even doubted this apology by the Prime Minister suggesting that it was for corruption the statue was put in place.
The incident has had political ramifications due to its occurrence: with the Maharashtra Assembly elections just around the corner. Criticizing the minister Thackeray stated that such act was an insult to the people of Maharashtra and to the great Maratha Emperor Shivaji. He further objurgized the BJP and Shiv Sena both ruling parties respecting the PM’s apology for insensitively politicizing the matter insulting Shivaji Maharaj. Others of the INDIA bloc similar to Thackeray as well as the other leaders such as Sharad Pawar and Nana Patole were seen to be participating in a protest march fully from Hutatma Chowk to the Gateway of India while demanding justice and accountability.
The government was defended by both Chief Minister Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis arguing that the opposition is politicizing the subject to gain vote from the public. They; pointed out that the demise was rather regrettable but not political. Shinde condemned the action of the opposition and challenged the people of Maharashtra saying that, the opposition cannot retain the people’s trust in the election. On the same note, the recent downfall of the statue, only after eight months of its installation by Prime Minister Modi has become a matter of concern. Some figures involved in the project such as the structural consultant and contractor has been arrested on charges of culpable homicide and causing the death of life.
