"Statue of our deity, Chhatrapati Shivaji subject of BJP's corruption": UBT Sena's Aaditya Thackeray

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 27 (ANI): The collapse of a 35-foot Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Sindhudurg, which led to widespread embarrassment for the state government is now turning into a political issue as Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray pulled down the BJP over the incident by linking it to Shivaji's pride.
In a statement, posted on X Thackeray said, "It is unimaginable that the statue of our deity, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj would also be a subject of the BJP's corruption.
Thackeray also slammed the BJP for allegedly blaming the Indian Navy.
"Here too, a favoured contractor friend. Here too, terrible quality of work. Here too, is an inauguration keeping in mind the elections, not the sentiment. And then, the usual trolls and shameless politicians trying to blame the Indian Navy," Thackeray added in the post.
The 35-foot statue was inaugurated in December 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Navy Day.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole also alleged that the government whether at the centre or the state, knew nothing except corruption.
Nana Patole said, "The way the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was vandalized is because of their corruption, whether this government is of the centre or the state, they know nothing except corruption. They have never lagged in insulting the ideas of Shivaji Maharaj, the lord of Maharashtra. Yesterday's incident is a misfortune for Maharashtra, for the people of Maharashtra. And no one will forgive this government, this government should now leave the chair and run away."
After the local police had filed an FIR against and structural consultant following the collapse of the statue, Patole said that the FIR should be against the government.
"When the inauguration took place the Prime Minister of the country was present, the Chief Minister was present, on what basis they conducted the inauguration. Along with the contractor, these people are also responsible because there is involvement of corruption. The way the statue collapsed, the head and the hands fell apart, it shows they have always insulted the ideologies of Shivaji Maharaj," he added.
Earlier, the local police filed an FIR against contractor Jaydeep Apte and structural consultant Chetan Patil following the collapse under sections 109, 110, 125, 318, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). (ANI)