In a fresh political controversy, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has taken a sharp dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the recent collapse of the Shivaji statue in Raigad. Thackeray criticized PM Modi’s response to the incident, accusing him of offering an apology that “smacked of arrogance.”
The Incident
The controversy arose after a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a revered figure in Maharashtra, collapsed due to structural issues. The statue, installed at Raigad Fort, was part of a larger project to honor the Maratha king’s legacy. The collapse sparked outrage across the state, with many questioning the quality of the work and the oversight of the project.
PM Modi’s Apology
In response to the incident, Prime Minister Modi issued an apology during a public address, expressing regret over the collapse of the statue. However, the tone and phrasing of his apology have become a focal point of criticism. Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction, was quick to voice his displeasure, interpreting the Prime Minister’s words as dismissive and lacking in genuine concern.
Uddhav Thackeray’s Criticism
Uddhav Thackeray, known for his strong regional pride and commitment to upholding Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy, did not hold back in his remarks. He argued that the Prime Minister’s apology was not only insufficient but also conveyed a sense of arrogance. “The collapse of a statue representing our great warrior king is a matter of deep sorrow and anger for every Maharashtrian,” Thackeray stated in a press conference. “Instead of a heartfelt apology, what we received was a statement that smacked of arrogance, as if the sentiments of the people do not matter.”
Thackeray went on to question the central government’s involvement in the project and called for a thorough investigation into the incident. He also demanded accountability from those responsible for the statue’s construction and maintenance.
Political Repercussions
This incident and the ensuing controversy have added fuel to the ongoing political rivalry between Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) and the BJP. The collapse of the Shivaji statue has become more than just a local issue; it has now taken on significant political dimensions, with leaders across the spectrum weighing in.
Thackeray’s criticism highlights the deep-rooted tensions between his faction and the BJP, which have been escalating since his departure from the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s office. By framing the Prime Minister’s apology as arrogant, Thackeray is not only challenging the BJP’s handling of the incident but also positioning himself as the true custodian of Maharashtrian pride and Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.
Public Reaction
The public response to the statue collapse and the political fallout has been mixed. While many in Maharashtra share Thackeray’s outrage over the incident, others see the criticism as part of the broader political rivalry between the two parties. Social media has been abuzz with debates, with supporters and detractors of both Thackeray and Modi engaging in heated exchanges.
Many citizens are calling for a focus on accountability and ensuring that such incidents do not recur, rather than getting entangled in political blame games. The Shivaji statue at Raigad holds immense symbolic value, and its collapse is seen as a significant blow to the pride of the people of Maharashtra.
Conclusion
The collapse of the Shivaji statue has sparked a controversy that goes beyond the structural failure itself. Uddhav Thackeray’s sharp criticism of Prime Minister Modi’s apology reflects the growing political divide in Maharashtra and raises important questions about how leaders address sensitive cultural issues. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact the political landscape in the state and whether it will lead to any substantive changes in how such projects are managed in the future.
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