Uddhav Thackeray Criticizes PM Modi Over Shivaji Maharaj Statue Incident
Uddhav thackeray, leader of shiv sena (UBT), has sharply criticized prime minister Narendra Modi for his apology regarding the collapse of a statue of Chhatrapati shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra. Thackeray's remarks were made during a protest organized by the maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Mumbai. He accused Modi of displaying arrogance in his apology, suggesting that it lacked sincerity and failed to address the gravity of the situation.
Thackeray questioned the legitimacy of Modi's apology, asking, "Did you notice the arrogance in the (Prime minister Narendra Modi's) apology? It smacked of arrogance. One deputy chief minister was smiling. The mistake (collapse) cannot be forgiven." He further challenged the Prime Minister's reasons for the apology, questioning if it was related to the statue he inaugurated eight months ago or if it involved issues of corruption.
The protest, known as the ‘jode maro’ (hit with footwear) protest, was held against the Mayahuti coalition government comprising shiv sena, BJP, and NCP. The march began at the historic Hutatma Chowk and proceeded to the Gateway of india in south Mumbai. It aimed to draw attention to what thackeray and his supporters saw as a sign of disrespect towards shivaji Maharaj, a revered figure in maratha history. The statue, which was unveiled by Modi on december 4, 2023, during Navy Day celebrations, is located in the Sindhudurg district.
Sharad Pawar, leader of the nationalist congress party (NCP-SP), also voiced his criticism, alleging that the incident insulted shivaji Maharaj and hinting at possible corruption in the statue’s construction. Pawar highlighted the symbolic significance of shivaji Maharaj to maharashtra and condemned the poor workmanship that led to the statue's collapse.
Maharashtra's Chief minister, Eknath Shinde, expressed his regret over the incident but urged against turning it into a political issue. Shinde stressed that shivaji Maharaj is a symbol of identity and faith for the people of maharashtra, beyond just a political figure. While condemning the collapse as unfortunate, Shinde cautioned against using the incident for political advantage and also denounced recent vandalism of a shivaji statue in Karnataka.