Maharashtra CM Shinde Criticizes Thackeray Over Shivaji Statue Collapse

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde criticized his predecessor, Uddhav Thackeray, accusing him of politicizing the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue. Shinde urged support for the state government’s plan to erect a new statue. He claimed the opposition's protests were politically motivated and emphasized the state's commitment to fulfilling its promises.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday launched a searing attack on his rival and predecessor, Uddhav Thackeray, accusing him of leveraging the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for political gains while emulating historical antagonists Aurangzeb and Afzal Khan.

He urged all political parties to support the state government's initiative to erect a new statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj rather than engaging in political theatrics. Reacting to the Maha Vikas Aghadi's protests in Mumbai, Shinde accused the Opposition of politicizing the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue in Sindhudurg district.

Despite apologies from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other deputy chief ministers for the unfortunate incident, Shinde lamented that the opposition parties continue to play politics. He further mentioned that in Congress-ruled Karnataka, a statue of Shivaji Maharaj was recently uprooted, showcasing disdain towards the Maratha icon.

(With inputs from agencies.)