Challenge in Mumbai Over Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue Collapse
Image Source: India Today
MVA Stages “Chappal Jode Maaro Yatra” in Mumbai
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), a coalition of political parties in Maharashtra, held a protest in Mumbai after the collapse of the 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The statue, which was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year at a fort in the Sindhudurg district, toppled on August 26, supposedly due to strong winds. The incident has sparked outrage, leading to the MVA’s protest march, named the “Chappal Jode Maaro Yatra,” which translates to “hit with footwear.”
The protest saw leaders and supporters of the MVA carrying large chappals (shoes) as they marched from Hutatma Chowk to the Shivaji statue at the Gateway of India. Prominent leaders of the INDIA alliance in Maharashtra, including Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, state Congress president Nana Patole, and NCP (Sharad Pawar) supremo Sharad Pawar, were at the forefront of the demonstration.
Leaders Demand Accountability
The protest began with the leaders laying wreaths at Hutatma Chowk, a memorial dedicated to those who were martyred in the ‘Samyukta Maharashtra’ movement. During the march, participants carried placards condemning the statue’s collapse and shouted slogans against the current state government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The MVA leaders demanded accountability for the incident, expressing their anger over what they see as negligence by the authorities.
The protest attracted significant police presence, with security tightened throughout South Mumbai, especially along the protest route. Although the Mumbai Police had not granted permission for the full protest march, only allowing a gathering at Hutatma Chowk, the leaders were still able to proceed to the Gateway of India, albeit under heavy security.
Political Tensions Rise
As the protest gained momentum, tensions escalated between the MVA and the ruling government. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticized the protest, calling it a politically motivated move. He accused the MVA and Congress of never respecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, citing instances from history where Congress allegedly disrespected the beloved Maratha king.
Fadnavis pointed to Jawaharlal Nehru’s depiction of Shivaji Maharaj in ‘The Discovery of India’ as an example of Congress’s disregard for the Maratha legacy. He also mentioned the destruction of a Shivaji statue in Madhya Pradesh during Congress leader Kamal Nath’s tenure as Chief Minister and accused Congress of portraying Shivaji Maharaj as a raider of Surat in educational texts. Fadnavis demanded that the Congress party apologize for these past actions.
Despite these allegations, the MVA leaders remained firm in their stance, focusing on the statue collapse and calling for accountability from the state government. The protest highlighted the growing political divide in Maharashtra, with the statue’s collapse becoming a flashpoint for larger political battles between the MVA and the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) coalition.
In conclusion, the “Chappal Jode Maaro Yatra” in Mumbai was not just a protest over the collapse of a statue, but also a demonstration of the growing political tensions in Maharashtra, as opposition leaders and the ruling government exchanged accusations and attempted to sway public opinion in their favor.
Team Profile
- News Writer
- Sanchita is currently pursuing her master's in journalism and mass communication. She has already completed a PG diploma in journalism and mass communication from Patna Women's College and her graduation from Berhampur University. With a strong desire to become a journalist, she is focused on learning and enhancing her skills to excel in her chosen career.
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