Political Rivalry Intensifies at Collapsed Shivaji Statue Site in Malvan
The political rivalry between supporters of BJP MP Narayan Rane and Shiv Sena (UBT)-MVA workers reached a boiling point at the Rajkot fort in Malvan, Sindhudurg district. The clash occurred as opposition coalition leaders visited the site where a 35-foot statue of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj collapsed on Monday. The confrontation quickly escalated to heated sloganeering and physical altercations, prompting police intervention to maintain order amidst the chaos.
Opposition Protests Sparked Across Maharashtra
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) wasted no time in launching protests across Maharashtra, with demonstrations taking place in Malvan, Baramati, and Sambhaji Nagar. The opposition coalition has squarely placed the blame on the Shinde government for the tragic incident that led to the collapse of the iconic Shivaji Maharaj statue. As tensions continued to rise, Aaditya Thackeray, a prominent Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, made his presence felt at the fort, coincidentally crossing paths with departing BJP MP Narayan Rane.
“I have restrained my party members as this site holds great significance in the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj. However, if any untoward incident occurs due to the hooliganism of the ruling alliance, Deputy CM and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis will bear the responsibility,” Thackeray declared. Accompanied by NCP (SP) state president Jayant Patil, as well as opposition leaders Vijay Wadettiwar and Ambadas Danve, Thackeray condemned the BJP’s counter-protests as mere attempts to deflect attention from the alleged corruption and malpractices surrounding the statue’s construction.
Accusations of Corruption and Ineptitude Fly
Patil did not mince words when criticizing the ruling alliance, accusing them of trying to sweep their misdeeds under the rug through counter-protests. Thackeray, on the other hand, lambasted the ruling alliance for their failure to erect a durable statue, labeling their actions as “childish”. He went on to blame the ruling alliance for profiteering off the construction of the Shivaji Maharaj statue, pointing fingers at their alleged mismanagement and corruption.
The metal statue, unveiled by Prime Minister Modi just last December during Navy Day celebrations, met its untimely demise on Monday. The state government attributed the collapse to strong coastal winds, though a first information report has been registered against the contractor and sculptor responsible for the ill-fated structure. Meanwhile, the standoff at the fort persisted as both BJP and Shiv Sena (UBT) supporters adamantly refused to vacate the premises, further escalating the already tense situation.
Nilesh Rane, son of BJP MP Narayan Rane, raised concerns about the timing of the Thackeray camp leaders’ arrival, insinuating foul play. He claimed that his party had informed the police of their visit beforehand, casting doubt on the simultaneous appearance of the Thackeray faction. When law enforcement officials attempted to disperse the crowd, reports emerged of some individuals resorting to stone-throwing, adding a dangerous dimension to an already volatile situation. As a precautionary measure, an armed officer was assigned to protect Aaditya Thackeray amidst the chaos.
Strained Relations and Growing Public Scrutiny
The incident has not only strained relations between the political factions but has also exposed deep-seated issues of corruption and mismanagement in the construction of the iconic Shivaji Maharaj statue. The MVA has been quick to point fingers at the ruling alliance, alleging a cover-up of their wrongdoings, while the ruling coalition vehemently defends its position amidst mounting public scrutiny and outrage.
As the political rivalry continues to escalate, the people of Maharashtra are left grappling with the fallout of a monumental collapse that has not only shattered a physical structure but has also laid bare the fissures within the state’s political landscape. As the dust settles at the Rajkot fort in Malvan, the echoes of the clash between BJP and Shiv Sena (UBT) supporters serve as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted animosity and power struggles that continue to plague the region.