Maharashtra Rejects Forced Apologies: Uddhav Criticizes PM Modi’s Apology

MVA Protest Against Statue Collapse in Mumbai

The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), led by prominent leaders Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, and Nana Patole, organized a large protest in Mumbai, condemning the recent collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Malvan. The event highlighted Uddhav Thackeray’s scathing criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s apology, which he described as insincere and laced with arrogance. Demonstrators also expressed their anger toward Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and other political figures by hitting their posters with footwear during the rally.

‘Jode Maro’ March: Symbol of Discontent

The protest, titled the ‘Jode Maro’ march, began at Hutatma Chowk and culminated at the Shivaji statue near the Gateway of India. Uddhav Thackeray’s sharp remarks targeted PM Modi’s apology for the fallen statue, emphasizing that while the Prime Minister apologized, the expression on his face displayed arrogance, making it clear that Maharashtra would not accept what he termed as "forced apologies."

Uddhav Calls for Ousting of 'Shivdrohi' Government

Thackeray further addressed the crowd, stating that the gathering at the historic Gateway of India was a powerful symbol of their resolve to remove what he called a ‘Shivdrohi’ (traitor to Shivaji) and an illegitimate government from power. Throughout the demonstration, protesters used footwear to symbolically express their discontent by striking posters of CM Eknath Shinde, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.

Shahu Chhatrapati Joins the Protest

Shahu Chhatrapati, the 76-year-old descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and head of Kolhapur’s royal family, also participated in the march, lending his support to the cause. Shahu Chhatrapati is an influential figure who represents the Kolhapur Lok Sabha constituency for the Congress party.

Thackeray Challenges Modi’s Apology

Thackeray, while addressing the audience, posed a direct challenge to PM Modi's apology. "Why did he apologize? Was it for the collapse of the statue, the corruption involved in its installation, or because the corrupt are being shielded?" he asked, further accusing the government of hasty actions and corruption. He took a jab at Modi’s election promises, stating, "Wherever Modi touches, destruction follows."

Uddhav Responds to Criticism of Politicizing the Issue

In response to allegations that the opposition was politicizing the statue's collapse, Thackeray hit back, describing the ruling party’s actions as not politics, but “gajkaran” (eczema). Referring to a comment made by his father, Balasaheb Thackeray, he said, “Politics has become like an itch; there is no excuse for this mistake. We are here to channel our anger and stand at the country’s doorway—the Gateway of India—to oust this illegal government.”

Modi's Apology at Palghar Rally

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi had addressed the incident in Sindhudurg during a rally in Palghar, where he stated, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a name for me. He is our idol. I bow my head at his feet and offer my apology.” However, Thackeray’s remarks suggest that the apology fell flat with the MVA and its supporters.

Prominent MVA Figures Join the Protest

Key figures from the MVA such as Sanjay Raut, Arvind Rawat, Anil Desai, Varsha Gaikwad, Supriya Sule, and Anil Deshmukh were all present at the protest, paying homage at the Hutatma Chowk memorial before joining the march. Other notable politicians, including Aaditya Thackeray, Aslam Shaikh, and Sachin Ahir, were also seen participating in the event. The rally echoed with powerful slogans like ‘Jai Shivaji Jai Bhavani.’

Massive Turnout Despite Police Restrictions

Despite police efforts to restrict the protest march to Hutatma Chowk, organizers managed to gather an estimated crowd of 15,000-20,000 participants. Law enforcement maintained a heavy presence across South Mumbai, from Hutatma Chowk to the Gateway of India, to prevent any disruption or violence.