Uddhav Thackeray and Opposition Leaders Demand Accountability After Shivaji Statue Collapse

The collapse of a 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg has triggered a wave of political controversy in Maharashtra. The statue, which was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 4 last year, came down on Monday, reportedly due to heavy rainfall and strong winds that hit the district over the past few days. The incident has ignited criticism from opposition parties, who accuse the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government of using substandard materials and failing to ensure proper maintenance of the statue.

Former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), expressed his frustration with the government’s handling of the situation. Thackeray criticized Maharashtra Minister Deepak Kesarkar for making a statement that suggested a positive outcome might result from the statue’s collapse. Thackeray found this attitude deeply disrespectful to the memory of Shivaji Maharaj and indicative of the government’s disregard for its responsibilities. He also dismissed the explanation that the statue fell due to strong winds, calling it a flimsy excuse for what he sees as negligence and poor governance.

At a press conference in Mumbai, held alongside NCP President Sharad Pawar and Maharashtra Congress Chief Nana Patole, Thackeray accused those attempting to disrupt the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) protest march in Malvan of dishonoring Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy. Thackeray emphasized that the march was a legitimate response to the government’s negligence and called on the people of Maharashtra to stand up against such carelessness. He framed the protest as a defense of Shivaji Maharaj’s honor and a demand for accountability from the state government.

The situation intensified when Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and BJP MP Narayan Rane arrived at the site of the statue collapse on Wednesday at the same time. A confrontation ensued as Rane and his son engaged in a dispute with the police, attempting to enter the area while Uddhav Thackeray was already present. The disagreement rapidly escalated, resulting in physical clashes between the ruling party’s supporters and those backing the opposition. The confrontation underscored the growing political rivalry in the state, especially surrounding the highly sensitive issue of the Shivaji Maharaj statue.

Sanjay Raut, a prominent Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, has accused the government of corrupt practices related to the statue’s construction. He has called for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to step down, alleging that the administration has neglected its responsibilities to the people of Maharashtra. Raut also insists that Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Ravindra Chavan be dismissed, asserting that the project was marred by corruption from its inception. He stated that the collapse was more than just a structural failure; it was a betrayal of the values Shivaji Maharaj represented, showing the government’s inability to protect a symbol of Maharashtra’s pride.

The opposition’s reaction has placed considerable strain on the Maharashtra government, which has been struggling to address the fallout from the incident. Critics argue that the collapse of the statue is emblematic of deeper issues within the state’s administration, particularly around accountability and the quality of public works. By calling for high-profile resignations, the opposition is seeking to channel public outrage into a broader critique of the government’s performance.

As the political drama unfolds, the people of Maharashtra are left grappling with both the physical and symbolic implications of the statue’s collapse. The debate over the incident is likely to continue, with the opposition pushing for more answers and the government defending its actions. What remains clear is that the fallout from this incident will have lasting effects on the political landscape in Maharashtra, as parties prepare for the next round of political battles.