Political Turmoil in Maharashtra: Statue Controversy Sparks Tensions

BJP leader Narayan Rane accused the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi of creating division in Maharashtra following the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue. The incident, which occurred at Rajkot fort, has sparked a political storm ahead of state assembly polls. Rane also criticized opposition leaders for their reactions.

BJP leader and former Union Minister Narayan Rane on Monday accused the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) of creating strife in Maharashtra following the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue. The incident has stirred political tensions as the state assembly elections approach.

The statue of the 17th-century Maratha ruler at Rajkot fort in Malvan tehsil fell on August 26, merely eight months after its inauguration by Prime Minister Modi on Navy Day.

Rane, a former chief minister, also blamed Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut for inciting public unrest over the incident. Calling the event unfortunate, Rane accused the three parties (Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (SP)) of exploiting the statue's collapse to sow discord in the state before the polls.

In response, the MVA held a protest march from Hutatma Chowk to the Gateway of India on Sunday, criticizing both the Union and state governments. Opposition leaders expressed strong discontent, with Thackeray dismissing Modi's apology as ''smacking of arrogance,'' and Pawar attributing the statue's collapse to corruption.

Additionally, Rane criticized NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, arguing that the four-time chief minister failed to resolve Maratha reservation issues despite his long tenure in power.