MVA allies take out protest march against Maha Govt, demand Governor’s removal for ‘insulting’ icons

Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly Ajit Pawar said the Governor should be removed "to save Maharashtra"

In a show of strength, the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) constituents in Maharashtra took out a 'Halla Bol' protest march in Mumbai on Saturday against the Eknath Shinde-BJP government in the State, and emphatically demanded removal of Governor B.S. Koshyari for passing "insulting" remarks against iconic personalities, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Senior leaders of the three MVA allies — Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress — shared the stage after the protest march, where NCP chief Sharad Pawar said if the Governor was not removed, a "lesson" would be taught, while Uddhav Thackeray warned that there can be no compromise on the State's self respect and pride.

NCP leader Ajit Pawar demanded a strict law to ensure that dignity of national icons is protected.

Also Read | Maharashtra Governor mulling over resignation?

The protest march began from near J J Hospital in Byculla around noon and ended at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), a distance of around 4 km, where the MVA leaders addressed a rally.

Speaking at an event last month, Governor Mr. Koshyari had dubbed Shivaji Maharaj an "icon of olden times". The remark sparked outrage from both the descendants of the Maratha king and the opposition parties. Earlier this year, he had also passed alleged derogatory remarks against social reformers Mahatma Phule and Savitribai Phule.

Speaking at the 'Halla Bol' protest rally, Sharad Pawar said, "The Governor should be immediately removed for insulting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Mahatma Phule."