The Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government has ramped up security measures in anticipation of a large-scale protest in Mumbai organized by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition. This protest follows the recent collapse of a 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Malvan, Sindhudurg, a controversial incident that has ignited political tensions across the state.
Mumbai: Workers gathered at Hutatma Chowk for “Joote Maro Andolan,” a protest where the government’s effigy will be struck with ‘chappals’ during the march. Strict police arrangements are in place in the view of the protest pic.twitter.com/DGPhuukBLi
— IANS (@ians_india) September 1, 2024
In response to the planned MVA demonstration, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has questioned the necessity of the protest and announced a counter-march. A significant number of police personnel have been deployed at the Gateway of India, which has been closed to tourists due to security concerns.
Key leaders of the INDIA bloc in Maharashtra, including Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Sharad Pawar, and state Congress president Nana Patole, are expected to lead the Opposition’s rally. The march will begin at Hutatma Chowk in the Fort area and proceed to the Gateway of India.
The Opposition has dubbed their demonstration a “jode maro” protest, which translates to “hit with footwear.” The Shiv Sena (UBT) has called upon people to participate, stating they will bow at Shivaji’s feet to “awaken the pride of Maharashtra.” The NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) emphasized there can be no forgiveness for those who have betrayed Shivaji, while the Congress accused the government of corruption and incompetence in handling the statue project.
The collapse of the Shivaji statue, which was inaugurated just eight months ago by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has led to widespread outrage. The project, managed by the Navy in coordination with the state government, has resulted in the arrest of the structural consultant and contractor involved. They face charges including attempt to murder, culpable homicide, and acts endangering life and safety.
In the face of growing political backlash, Prime Minister Modi has issued an apology to the public. He stated, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a name or a king; he is our deity. I bow my head at his feet and apologize to my deity and to the people hurt by this incident.”
The BJP, however, has dismissed the Opposition’s protest as politically motivated, with an eye on the upcoming state elections. State BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye criticized the MVA’s actions, questioning whether the Prime Minister’s apology is insufficient. He drew a comparison to Rahul Gandhi’s apology regarding the Rafale episode, questioning if a similar protest would be held for that.
In a bid to counter the MVA’s demonstration, the BJP has announced that its youth wing will organize protests near Shivaji statues across Maharashtra to “expose” the Opposition’s intentions. In Mumbai, the BJP will hold an agitation in Dadar, led by city party chief Ashish Shelar, to challenge the INDIA bloc’s rally.
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