Opposition Slams BJP Over Shivaji Statue Collapse in Maharashtra

Opposition leader Vijay Wadettiwar criticizes BJP and PM Modi over Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue collapse in Malvan. He condemns state government for arresting protesting Congress workers, while Maharashtra Chief Minister announces swift action and investigation into the incident.

Vijay Wadettiwar, Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra State Assembly, on Friday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Malvan. Wadettiwar highlighted that the Prime Minister had inaugurated the statue eight months ago, and now it has completely collapsed. He expressed his dismay at Congress workers being arrested for demanding an apology on the streets.

He further condemned the state government for the arrest of Congress leaders in Mumbai, questioning the legitimacy of such actions. 'If our Congress workers are protesting to demand an apology, then what is so wrong with that? Is this democracy? Does this government operate on constitutional principles? If we voice our opinions on the streets, what is so wrong with that? Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is Maharashtra's pride and honour,' he added.

On Thursday, the Maharashtra Chief Minister assured that the state government is taking swift action to reconstruct the statue, with two committees formed to investigate the collapse in the Malvan area. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar also visited the site in Malvan on August 26. Pawar shared in a post on X that he reviewed the situation and inspected the fort. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue, unveiled last December during Navy Day celebrations, was aimed at honouring the Maratha Navy's legacy and its connection with the modern Indian Navy.

(With inputs from agencies.)