Shivaji Maharaj statue collapse: MVA launches ‘Jode Maro’ protest against MahaYuti government

Political confrontation in Maharashtra over the collapse of Shivaji Maharaj statue sparks protests against the government, led by Uddhav Thackeray.

The collapse of a statue of the 17th-century Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Sindhudurg’s Rajkot Fort has sparked a heated political confrontation between the ruling MahaYuti and the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra.

In response to the “unfortunate” incident, the Opposition bloc led by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray is holding a protest, “Jode Maro Andolan” (beating with slippers), against the Eknath Shinde-led government, on Sunday (September 1, 2024). The march from Hutatma Chowk to the Gateway of India in South Mumbai, with allegations of corruption being directed at the government.

Mr. Thackeray was joined by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee chief Nana Patole, Baramati MP Supriya Sule, former minister Aaditya Thackeray, and other leaders from the MVA.

The streets around Hutatma Chowk/Flora Fountain echoed with slogans such as “Jai Bhavani-Jai Shivaji,” “Shivdrohana Mafi Nahi” (no forgiveness for Shivaji betrayals), and “Gaddarana jode mara” (beat the traitors with slippers) as protesters raised their voices against the government amidst high police protection.

The 35-foot statue of the Maratha empire founder, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rajkot Fort in Malvan tehsil on Navy Day (December 4) last year, collapsed around 1 pm on August 26, 2024. During his visit to Maharashtra on August 30, Mr. Modi apologized for the collapse of the statue, stating, “For me, my colleagues, and everyone, Shivaji Maharaj is not just a king but a revered figure... I bow my head in apology.”

Recently, Mr. Pawar and Mr. Patole met the Sena (UBT) leader at his residence, “Matoshree,” and announced their decision to stage the protest. Mr. Thackeray dismissed the government’s explanation that the statue collapsed due to strong winds as the “height of shamelessness.”

Chetan Patil, the structural consultant named in the FIR registered in connection with the collapse of the statue, was arrested in Kolhapur on August 30.