Mayawati Calls for Positive Perspective Amid Statue Controversy

Mayawati urges a positive viewpoint regarding figures like kings and saints across communities. She comments on the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue in Maharashtra, emphasizing non-political motives behind such installations. The incident has ignited a political debate as the opposition targets the ruling party's handling.

Mayawati, leader of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), stressed the importance of maintaining a positive perspective on matters related to kings, maharajas, saints, and gurus from any community or religion, while condemning political exploitation. This statement came after the statue of Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj toppled on August 26 in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra.

Mayawati criticized the use of such incidents for political gains, urging that the installation of such statues should be done with a constructive attitude. She called for strict action against officials in any state where such incidents occur, without engaging in political maneuvering. This is particularly pertinent as the statue was newly unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi eight months prior.

The collapse of Shivaji's statue sparked a significant political debate ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, with opposition parties attacking Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's administration. The sculptor-contractor, Jaydeep Apte, was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the incident.

(With inputs from agencies.)