Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue Collapse: PM Modi's Apology 'Smacked Of Arrogance', Says Uddhav Thackeray

Mumbai: Criticising the Eknath Shinde led government over the collapse of the 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sindhudurg, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's apology on the statue collapse incident "smacked of arrogance". Thackeray also attacked PM Modi saying that the people of Maharashtra had rejected the apology.

Uddhav was addressing a gathering during the Maha Vikas Aghadi's "jode maro" protest. The protest was held over the collapse of the statue.

"Did you notice the arrogance in PM Modi's apology? It smacked of arrogance," Uddhav said. "The illegal government of Maharashtra should be thrown out," said Uddhav in his scathing attack against the Mahayuti government from the gateway of India on Sunday.

Former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray Speaks On Claim Made By Opposition Parties

Uddhav Thackeray along with his son and former minister Aaditya Thackeray visited Hutatma chowk. He along with his party MPs and MLAs offered flowers at Hutatma Chowk martyrs and marched towards Shivaji Statue at Gateway of India. He refuted the ruling party's claim that opposition parties are politicizing the statue collapse issue and refused to accept allegations of politics over the current anger among the people of Maharashtra.

"There is no question of forgiveness over the issue of the statue collapsing. The place where we are protesting is the Gateway of India, which is known as the (entry) door to our country. Now, here in front of Shivaji Maharaj's statue, we should tell the current illegal government to get out of India," he said.

Former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray Criticizes PM Modi's Apology

While criticizing the apology of PM Narendra Modi over the collapse of statue, Uddhav said that the people of Maharashtra wouldn't have spared the government if Modi didn't apologize.

Moreover, Uddhav said that there was arrogance on the face of PM Modi while apologizing.

"Would you accept the arrogant apology?"  Uddhav asked people. We don't accept arrogant apologies. When Modi was apologising at that time one of the Deputy CM was laughing. Are you making a mockery of the Maharaj?" asked Uddhav.

About The 'Jode Mara Andolan'

Uddhav along with NCP SP Chief Sharad Pawar and Congress state President Nana Patole, Shahu Maharaj, Congress MP and Descendant of Shivaji Maharaj, Supriya Sule, Anil Deshmukh, Sanjay Raut, Anil Desai, Bhai Jagtap, Naseem Khan, Aslam Sheikh had participated in the 'Jode Mara Andolan' organised by MVA to condemn the incident of Shivaji Maharaj Statue collapsing at Rajkot fort, Malvan last week. They offered flowers to Hutatma Chowk and marched towards the Gateway of India.

Thousands of UBT, NCP SP, and Congress party workers and office bearers participated in the march from the historical Hutatma Chowk to the Gateway of India. Saffron flags, Congress party flags, and placards condemning the government were seen during the rally.

Despite no police permission, thousands of Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress workers gathered together at Hutatma Chowk. They were also raising the slogans: 'Shivaji Maharaj ki jay', 'Mindhe Sarkar haay haay', 'Jai Bhavani Jai Shivaji'. Moreover, thousands of supporters participated in the march.

Huge number of police personnel and a reserve police force were deployed to manage the crowd. After reaching the spot, police seized effigies brought by protesters.

NCP (SP) Chief Sharad Pawar On The Collapse Of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Statue In Sindhudurg

NCP SP Chief Sharad Pawar said that the state government is giving the reason of high wind speed for the statue collapse but the statue of Shivaji Maharaj at the Gateway of India is still standing strong here and giving inspiration to people for the last 50 years.

"There are many statues of Shivaji Maharaj throughout the state, many of them are along the coast but the statue of Malvan was an example of a corrupt government. It is an insult to Shivaji Maharaj's followers. The current protest was to condemn the statue collapsing incident," said Pawar.