Shivaji Statue Crash: The Shiv Sena (UBT), part of the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), continued its protests for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday after the collapse of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The statue, erected eight months ago at Rajkot Fort in Malvan, Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, fell earlier this week.
Targeting Narayan Rane
Shiv Sena (UBT) Deputy Leader and Spokesperson Sushma Andhare led the agitation in Pune. She criticized BJP MP Narayan Rane for what she described as “goonda tactics” and threats directed at the media, police, and Opposition leaders during an MVA protest in Malvan on Wednesday. Andhare accused Rane of trying to disturb the communal atmosphere in the state, alleging that he aimed to create disturbances.
Andhare also questioned Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, asking if he had allowed Rane and his supporters to cause chaos and disrupt public protests across Maharashtra. She warned that Fadnavis would be held responsible if any untoward incidents occurred, demanding Rane’s arrest for allegedly inciting violence.
Continued Protests Across Maharashtra
Despite efforts by Sindhudurg Police, Rane and his supporters reportedly prevented MVA leaders, including Vijay Wadettiwar, Ambadas Danve, Jayant Patil, and Aditya Thackeray, from entering Rajkot Fort. Andhare, accompanied by women activists, led chants against the BJP and the ruling Mahayuti, even beating banners with Rane’s photo using footwear.
In Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut accused Rane’s supporters of spitting on police and using abusive language. Protests continued in Nashik on Thursday, where Shiv Sena (UBT) activists voiced their opposition to the Mahayuti regime.
The MVA has planned more protests across the state, including a march in Mumbai from Martyrs Memorial to the Gateway of India on September 1. The Congress party will also hold a shoe-beating protest against the Maharashtra government.
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