On Sunday in Mumbai, the Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) carried out a 'Shoe Protest' against the government. This protest was organized in response to the fall of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue. Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad fiercely attacked the government over this issue, stating that the government should be ashamed and should immediately resign.
In Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district, MVA leaders led a massive march from Hutatma Chowk in South Mumbai to the Gateway of India. The statue of 17th-century Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had fallen on August 26. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had unveiled it on December 4, 2023, on Navy Day.
Varsha Gaikwad targeted the BJP, stating, 'No court is greater than Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and now the BJP has become a corrupt party.' She questioned why the statue erected by Jawaharlal Nehru stands tall even after 67 years, while the BJP is creating a ruckus despite being in power. She also accused Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of not yet apologizing for the incident.
Uddhav Thackeray and Aditya Reach Hutatma Chowk
Even Uddhav Thackeray and Aditya Thackeray arrived at Hutatma Chowk for the protest. A large number of slippers and shoes were brought, symbolizing the protest. Protesters have not been allowed to move beyond Hutatma Chowk, creating a tense situation.
Shiv Sena's Major Protest Against Mahayuti Government
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) announced a large-scale protest against the Mahayuti government. Senior party leader and MP Sanjay Raut declared that a 'Shoe the Government' protest would begin from Sunday. Following this announcement, activists gathered for the campaign today.
Sanjay Raut targeted the government over the Shivaji Maharaj statue controversy, stating, 'The statue is not just a statue for us; it is a deity’s idol. These people have even corrupted our deity’s idol. We will not tolerate this, and from Sunday, a major protest against the government will start.'
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, Congress state president Nana Patole, and Mumbai unit chief Varsha Gaikwad paid tribute to the martyrs of the 'United Maharashtra' movement at Hutatma Chowk and started the protest march. NCP (SP) leader Rajesh Tope and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sunil Prabhu said that the protest aimed to voice the anger of the people of Maharashtra, who are hurt by the statue's fall. Just eight months after the statue's collapse, the public outcry is deep, especially since it was unveiled by Prime Minister Modi. Sunil Prabhu stated that the protest is peaceful.
The march started after 11 AM with Congress MP from Kolhapur Shahu Chhatrapati, NCP (SP)’s Baramati MP Supriya Sule, and MLA Anil Deshmukh also participating. A statue of Shivaji Maharaj was placed at Hutatma Chowk, and participants held placards condemning the incident and chanting slogans against the Eknath Shinde government. NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar joined the march for some distance and then left in his vehicle. The march concluded at the Gateway of India, a few kilometers from Hutatma Chowk.
Public Anger Against Mahayuti Government
Raut’s statement came at a time when the opposition’s anger and resentment against the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra are increasing. The alleged corruption around Shivaji Maharaj’s statue has fueled public frustration, prompting the Uddhav faction to announce this protest against the government. Raut stated that this protest was against the government’s corrupt policies and expected widespread support across Maharashtra.
First Arrest Made in the Case on Friday
The first arrest in the case of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue falling in Sindhudurg district happened on Friday. Structural consultant Chetan Patil was arrested from Kolhapur for his alleged involvement. Kolhapur Crime Branch arrested Patil early Friday morning and later handed him over to Malvan police.
Earlier, the FIR named contractor and architect Jaydeep Apte and structural consultant Chetan Patil as accused. The FIR charged both with negligence and the potential endangerment of people around the statue.
When Was the Statue Unveiled?
The statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sindhudurg was unveiled on December 4, 2023, during the first Navy Day celebration held in Sindhudurg. The statue aimed to honor the maritime heritage and contributions of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to maritime defense and security.
The concept and leadership of this project were by the Indian Navy with state government support. The government also funded the project. Both the state and central governments have faced criticism after the statue fell.
PM Modi and CM Shinde Apologized
PM Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also apologized for the incident. During a program in Palghar, PM Modi expressed regret and apologized for the fall of Shivaji Maharaj's statue. Similarly, CM Eknath Shinde stated that he would not hesitate to touch the feet of Shivaji Maharaj and apologize a hundred times if needed.
Heavy Anger Among Opposition Parties Over Statue Collapse
The Mahayuti government faces heavy criticism regarding corruption and the collapse of Shivaji Maharaj's statue. Led by Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) has called for a widespread protest against the government. The public and party workers have shown significant enthusiasm for this protest.
