BJP Protests Against MVA Over Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue Collapse in Maharashtra
Chhatarpati Sambhaji Nagar (Maharashtra), September 1: The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a counter protest against the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), accusing the opposition of trying to gain political advantage from the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Malvan.
BJP’s Stand
Maharashtra BJP leader Prasad Lad stated that the opposition is attempting to set a narrative over the statue collapse incident and politicize the case ahead of the Assembly elections. Several BJP leaders gathered in the Dadar area of Mumbai, holding hoardings, shouting slogans, and organizing cultural performances in honor of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
“We are expressing the love and respect we have for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj…We are protesting against the manner in which Maha Vikas Aghadi is protesting over it and setting a narrative…If opposition wants to benefit from it regarding elections, then it is a different matter,” said Prasad Lad.
Investigation and Background
The Defence Ministry announced that a joint technical committee, headed by the Indian Navy with representatives from the Maharashtra Government and technical experts, is being formed to investigate the damage to the statue. The statue was unveiled on December 4 last year as part of the Navy Day celebrations in Sindhudurg, honoring the legacy of the Maratha Navy and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Opposition’s Response
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray criticized the BJP-led Mahayuti government over the incident. He questioned the government’s handling of the situation and accused them of corruption. Thackeray stated, “There is no excuse for this mistake. Shivaji Maharaj and Gateway of India is the gateway of our country. This anti-Shiva government is sitting in an unconstitutional manner.”
He further added, “Did you apologize for putting up the Maharaja’s statue to cover up the corruption? This is Modi’s guarantee, wherever he lays his hands, truth will be destroyed. Maharashtra’s soul has been insulted, Maharashtra’s religion has been insulted. Maharashtra will never forgive those who insult Shivaji.”
Doubts Revealed
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party. It is one of the major political parties in India.
MVA -: MVA stands for Maha Vikas Aghadi. It is a coalition of political parties in Maharashtra, including the Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Indian National Congress (INC).
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj -: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a great Maratha king and warrior who founded the Maratha Empire in India. He is a very important historical figure in Maharashtra.
Malvan -: Malvan is a town in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, known for its historical forts and beautiful beaches.
Assembly elections -: Assembly elections are elections held to choose representatives for the legislative assembly of a state in India. These representatives make laws and policies for the state.
Defence Ministry -: The Defence Ministry is a part of the Indian government responsible for managing the country’s defense and armed forces.
Shiv Sena (UBT) -: Shiv Sena (UBT) is a faction of the Shiv Sena party led by Uddhav Thackeray. UBT stands for Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray.
Uddhav Thackeray -: Uddhav Thackeray is an Indian politician and the leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction. He is the son of Bal Thackeray, the founder of Shiv Sena.
