bjp-stages-rally-in-mumbai-in-response-to-mva-protest

In Maharashtra, a fresh wave of political contention has emerged following the collapse of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has responded to the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) protest by staging a counter-protest. This action is fueled by accusations that the opposition is exploiting the incident for political gain ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

 

BJP leader Prasad Lad criticised the MVA for allegedly politicising the statue collapse in Malvan. He stated that the opposition’s efforts to create a narrative around the incident are misguided and politically motivated.

 

To demonstrate their respect for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and counter the opposition's claims, BJP leaders organised a rally in Mumbai’s Dadar area. The rally featured hoardings, slogans, and cultural performances celebrating the Maratha warrior king.

 

The Defence Ministry has announced the formation of a joint technical committee to investigate the damage to the statue. This committee, led by the Indian Navy and including representatives from the Maharashtra Government and technical experts, will examine the effects of severe weather conditions on the statue.

 

The statue, installed at Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg, was unveiled on December 4 during Navy Day celebrations. This project, which was spearheaded by the Indian Navy and supported by state government funding, was intended to honour the Maratha Navy's historical significance and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s contributions to maritime defence.

 

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray has sharply criticised the BJP-led government over the statue's damage. Thackeray condemned the government's handling of the situation, accusing it of failing to address the issue properly.

 

He remarked on the insensitivity of the apology given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and questioned the motives behind the statue’s installation. Thackeray asserted that the incident reflects poorly on the government’s commitment to respecting Maharashtra’s cultural and historical heritage.