• Source:JND
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The Maharashtra Government has heightened security across Mumbai in view of MVA’s mega protest against the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s statue. A huge deployment of the police has been put in place at the Gateway of India.

MVA partners-- Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, NCP (SP) supremo Sharad Pawar and state Congress president Nana Patole-- will be participating in the rally from Hutatma Chowk in the Fort area to Gateway of India.

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Opposition’s "jode maro" (hit with footwear) protest is aimed at commemorating and bowing at Shivaji's feet to "awaken the pride of Maharashtra."

The Sharad factions of the NCP said they would not pardon the "corrupt Shivdrohis”. Meanwhile, the state Congress unit has stated that the march is intended to reprimand "Shivdrohis" who have performed poorly, engaged in corruption, and disrespected Shivaji.

A massive furore has erupted across Maharashtra since the 35-foot statue of Shivaji collapsed at Malvan in Sindhudurg. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi just eight months ago.

The project, managed by the Navy in collaboration with the state government, has led to the arrest of both the structural consultant and the contractor. They face charges under sections related to attempt to murder, culpable homicide, and acts endangering life and safety.

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Notably, PM Modi had also tendered an apology over the tragic incident during his visit to Maharashtra’s Palghar. "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a name or a king. For us, he is our deity. Today, I bow my head at his feet and apologise to my deity. I also apologise to the people hurt by the collapse," he had said.