Pride Over Prejudice

The fragmented political fabric in Maharashtra has left the voters confused and the leaders jittery. Amid the chaos, the subject of Marathi asmita has risen and ebbed in absence of a strong anchor

- Barkha Mathur

SHIVAJI, the much-revered Maratha king, makes an appearance every election season. However, this time, it’s the collapse of the 35-foot Shivaji statue in Sindhudurg in August that has been at the centre of much political slugfest. Intertwined with the controversy is Marathi asmita (pride).

After the collapse of the statue months ahead of the assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said to the people of Maharashtra: “I extend my apologies to all those who worship Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as their revered deity. I know their sentiments are hurt.” Modi, who is not known to provide explanations, leave aside offering apologies for any happening under his watch, understood the gravity of the situation. 

Shivaji is celebrated as an icon of the Hindu right. He has become an increasingly central figure in Maharashtra’s politics and no political party can afford to ignore him or be accused of insulting him. After all, Marathas dominate the political landscape of the state—12 of the 20 chief ministers since the state’s formation have been Marathas.

The Opposition and the ruling BJP tried to draw capital out of the incident. Modi criticised the Opposition for not expressing regret. “Our values are different. For us, nothing is greater than our deity,” he said. The Opposition, in turn, demanded Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s resignation, alleging corruption in the statue’s construction. The members of the NCP from the ruling coalition took out a silent protest march.