Political Uproar over Collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Statue

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar blamed the Eknath Shinde-led government for corruption after a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj collapsed in Sindhudurg. They criticized the government's claims and announced a protest march. Calls for Deputy CM Fadnavis's resignation have intensified.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar criticized the Eknath Shinde-led government for escalating corruption following the collapse of a 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sindhudurg.

Unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last December, the statue's collapse has led to significant backlash. Thackeray and Pawar dismissed the government's explanation of gusty winds causing the collapse, labelling it as 'shameless'. They have announced a protest march from Hutatma Chowk to the Gateway of India on September 1.

Thackeray further alleged that the statue's hurried installation was politically motivated to secure votes in the upcoming polls. NCP's Supriya Sule has called for Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis's resignation, citing his failure to manage the situation effectively.

(With inputs from agencies.)