MVA's 'Shoe March' in Mumbai: Uddhav Thackeray Demands Answers After Shivaji Statue Collapse
MUMBAI — The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition launched a protest in Mumbai today, dubbed the 'Shoe March,' in response to the recent collapse of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra. The statue, which was unveiled just eight months ago, fell on August 26, sparking widespread outrage across the state. The MVA, led by former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, has described the incident as a grave insult to Maharashtra's pride and heritage.
The Protest March
The protest began at Hutatma Chowk and proceeded towards the Gateway of India, with prominent leaders such as Uddhav Thackeray, his son Aaditya Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, and Maharashtra Congress Chief Nana Patole leading the charge. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar was also expected to join the demonstration. The protest aimed to highlight what the MVA described as the government's failure to safeguard the state's dignity.
Due to the protest, the Gateway of India has been closed to tourists until further notice, with a heavy police presence deployed to maintain order. Authorities, including Mumbai Police, the State Reserve Police, and the Riot Control Squad, were on high alert, prepared to intervene if the march violated security protocols.
MVA's 'Shoe March'
The MVA's 'Shoe March' involved protestors carrying slippers and sandals, symbolizing their outrage. The marchers planned to strike effigies of government officials with these shoes, a symbolic act of protest. The police, however, were poised to halt the march before it reached the Gateway of India, particularly as it approached high-security zones near the Kala Ghoda area, which includes the Bombay High Court, RBI, and other key locations.
Uddhav Thackeray’s Response
Uddhav Thackeray expressed his deep frustration, stating that the incident was an insult to Maharashtra. "This is an affront to our pride. We are being stopped by our own police in our own Maharashtra. I have never seen such helplessness," Thackeray said. He questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s apology, asking what exactly the apology was for. "Are you apologizing for the statue falling, or for the corruption involved in its construction?" Thackeray asked, adding that the central government's policies are disrespectful to Maharashtra.
Arvind Sawant's Remarks
Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant, aligned with Uddhav's faction, also condemned the incident, calling the collapse of the statue an attack on the reverence and honor associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is like a god to us. His statue falling is akin to our faith, respect, and self-esteem being crushed," Sawant said.
Background of the Incident
The 35-foot statue of Shivaji Maharaj, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 4, 2023, collapsed on August 26, leading to a political uproar in Maharashtra. Following the incident, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and Prime Minister Modi all issued apologies, but the MVA has criticized these gestures as insufficient.
Conclusion
The 'Shoe March' organized by the MVA represents a broader discontent with the current administration's handling of cultural and historical symbols in Maharashtra. The protest underscores the deep respect and emotional connection that the people of Maharashtra have for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and their demand for accountability in protecting this legacy.
