A significant political drama unfolded today at Rajkot Fort in Malvan, Sindhudurg, as former Maharashtra Chief Minister Narayan Rane angrily snatched a microphone from a news reporter’s hands during his visit to the site where the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj collapsed.
Rane, who was in Sindhudurg to review the collapse site, became visibly agitated when a reporter questioned him about his visit. The incident was captured on video by a Marathi news channel, showing Rane’s frustration as he was surrounded by a crowd of reporters.
The situation at Rajkot Fort further deteriorated when a confrontation erupted between Rane’s supporters and those backing Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray. Thackeray, also visiting the collapse site, arrived with local politicians, including Congress leader Vijay Waddetiwar and NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil. Tensions soared as Rane’s supporters began shouting slogans against Thackeray’s group, leading to a heated face-off that required police intervention to separate the two factions.
Amidst this political turmoil, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, comprising Thackeray, Waddetiwar, and Patil, has staged protests in Malvan today. The opposition leaders are condemning the statue collapse incident and have called for a Malvan Bandh to express their discontent.
The confrontation highlights the escalating political climate in Maharashtra, with key figures from both sides clashing over the handling of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue incident. The day’s events reflect the deepening divisions and heightened stakes in Maharashtra’s political landscape.
As the situation continues to unfold, the implications for local politics and public sentiment will be closely watched. The incidents at Rajkot Fort underscore the charged atmosphere surrounding this controversial issue and the intense scrutiny faced by the state’s political leaders.
