Maharashtra Leaders Clash Over Shivaji Statue Collapse

Political tensions in Maharashtra have intensified following the collapse of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, with the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) staging a protest march in Mumbai to demand accountability. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticized Uddhav Thackeray's call for the ruling parties to be ousted, asserting that the public had already 'made him sit at home' two years ago. Fadnavis labeled the MVA's agitation as purely political, arguing that the opposition parties have historically disrespected Shivaji Maharaj. The statue, which collapsed on August 26, had been unveiled by Prime Minister Modi just months prior, leading to widespread public outrage and demands for apologies from the ruling government. In contrast, MVA leaders, including Shiv Sena UBT MP Arvind Sawant, emphasized that their protest was a defense of Maharashtra's honor rather than a political maneuver. The Mumbai police increased security in anticipation of the protest, reflecting the heightened emotions surrounding the incident.