BJP launches counter protest against MVA over Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue collapse

Chhatarpati Sambhaji Nagar (Maharashtra) [India]September 1 (ANI): Accusing the opposition of trying to take advantage of the demolition of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue, the Bhartiya Janata Party on Sunday launched a counter demonstration against Maha Vikas Aghadi.

Maharashtra BJP leader Prasad Lad said the opposition was trying to create a narrative about the statue collapse in Malvan region and politicise the case ahead of the assembly elections.

Several BJP leaders gathered in Mumbai's Dadar district, holding hoardings, shouting slogans and organising cultural performances in honour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

“We express our love and respect for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj… We protest against the way Maha Vikas Aghadi is protesting against it and making a history… If the opposition wants to benefit from it in terms of elections, then that is a different matter,” BJP leader Prasad Lad said while speaking to ANI. The Defence Ministry earlier said that a joint technical committee headed by the Indian Navy with representatives of the Maharashtra government and technical experts will be formed to investigate the unfortunate damage to the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot fort in Sindhudurg due to the exceptional weather conditions in the area. The statue was unveiled on December 4 last year as part of the Navy Day celebrations, held for the first time in Sindhudurg, aimed at honouring the legacy of the Maratha Navy and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for maritime defence and security and their historical association with the modern Indian Navy, the defence ministry press release said. It said the project was conceived and directed by the Indian Navy, in coordination with the state government, which is also providing financial support to the project.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP (UBT) Uddhav Thackery questioned the BJP-led Mahayuti government about the incident.

“There is no excuse for this mistake. Shivaji Maharaj and Gateway of India are the gateway of our country. This anti-Shiva government is behaving unconstitutionally. The Prime Minister of the country came four days ago. He apologised. Even when he apologised, there was nothing on his face,” he said.

“Have you apologised for putting up the statue of the Maharaja to cover up corruption? This is Modi's guarantee that the truth will be destroyed wherever he lays his hand. Maharashtra's soul has been insulted, Maharashtra's religion has been insulted. Maharashtra will never forgive those who insult Shivaji,” he added. (ANI)