Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Ajit Pawar assured the public that those responsible for the mishap would be identified and brought to justice. (Image: PTI)
The NCP Ajit Pawar faction has decided to hold a silent protest across the state over the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue incident.
In a significant development that has shaken Maharashtra’s political landscape, a statue of the revered Maratha leader, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, recently toppled over, sparking widespread outrage. The incident quickly escalated into a political crisis, with opposition leaders staging protests across the state, and senior figures from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition rushing to the scene to express their condemnation.
Even before the MVA leaders could arrive at the site in Malvan, BJP leader Narayan Rane and his son had already made their presence felt. Tensions ran high when Aditya Thackeray, a prominent leader of the MVA, arrived, leading to a heated confrontation between supporters of the Rane and Thackeray camps.
As the political drama unfolded on the ground, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar addressed the incident during a public rally in Latur. With a tone of deep regret, Pawar offered an apology to the 13 crore citizens of Maharashtra on behalf of the government. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, he assured the public that those responsible for the mishap would be identified and brought to justice. “I promise to take strict action against the culprits,” Pawar said, stressing the importance of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s enduring legacy and the profound impact his life has on the people of Maharashtra. The NCP Ajit Pawar faction has decided to hold a silent protest across the state over the incident.
Pawar’s speech at the Jan Samman Yatra wasn’t just about the statue incident. He took the opportunity to highlight the government’s recent accomplishments, particularly the decision to waive electricity bills amounting to Rs 15,000 crore. “Farmers should not worry about their pending electricity bills. We are committed to solving their problems,” Pawar declared, reinforcing his image as a leader who delivers on promises. He also noted that the state’s budget, totaling Rs 6.5 lakh crore, includes significant allocations for women’s welfare under the “Ladki Bahan” scheme, which he vowed would be sustained over the next five years.
Pawar didn’t shy away from addressing the pressing issue of rising crimes against women, a matter that has been at the forefront of public concern following a shocking incident in Badlapur. He pledged that the government would introduce stricter laws and impose harsher penalties, including death sentence and life imprisonment, for perpetrators of such heinous crimes. “There will be no leniency in cases of violence against women,” Pawar asserted, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of women across the state.
Through his words, Ajit Pawar not only sought to calm the storm surrounding the statue’s toppling but also aimed to reassure the public of his government’s dedication to upholding justice, protecting Maharashtra’s heritage, and safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.
