Political Fallout Over Shivaji Maharaj’s Statue Collapse
On August 27, a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, unveiled by Prime Minister Modi in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, tragically collapsed, sparking a significant political uproar. While two individuals have been charged in connection with the incident and one has been arrested, the event has ignited a fierce debate in the political arena, particularly with the opposition party, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), staging a protest march in Mumbai against the state government.
Fadnavis’s Strong Rebuttal
Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, countered the MVA’s criticism by claiming that the current movements are politically motivated. He accused the MVA and the Congress Party of never having respected Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Citing historical perspectives, he mentioned that Jawaharlal Nehru had disrespected Shivaji Maharaj in his book “The Discovery of India”. Fadnavis challenged the Congress and MVA leaders to apologize for such historical wrongdoings.
Accusations Against Congress
During his address, Fadnavis highlighted past grievances against the Congress Party, referencing events like when Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath reportedly demolished a statue of Shivaji Maharaj with a bulldozer. He emphasized that the Congress has a history of undermining the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj, a revered figure in Maharashtra’s history.
Controversial ‘Shoe Throwing’ Movement
As part of the protests, MVA coalition partners are engaged in a “Shoe Throwing Movement,” marching from Hutatma Chowk to Gateway of India in South Mumbai. Fadnavis condemned this action, arguing that such demonstrations fail to respect the historical significance of Shivaji Maharaj, mentioning that the Congress had previously accused him of looting Surat. Fadnavis firmly refuted this claim, asserting that the people of Surat have honored Shivaji Maharaj by erecting his statue in the city.
Government’s Response and Future Plans
In light of the statue’s collapse, political leaders including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar have publicly apologized. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the profound cultural significance of Shivaji Maharaj, stating, “He is not merely a king; he is a divine entity for us.” Shinde also expressed openness to extensive apologies and assured the public that efforts will be made to erect a larger statue of Shivaji Maharaj to honor his legacy properly.
| Key Events | Details |
|---|---|
| Statue Collapse | August 27, 2024 |
| Protests | MVA protests in Mumbai following the incident |
| Political Reactions | Fadnavis accuses Congress of disrespecting Shivaji Maharaj |
| Future Plans | Government promises to build a bigger statue |
Conclusion
The collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue has opened the floodgates for political attacks in Maharashtra, reflecting deeper issues of respect and reverence for historical figures. As political parties navigate this sensitive issue, the significance of Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy continues to resonate with many, leaving a lasting impact on Maharashtra’s political landscape.
