Karnataka: Maharashtra CM fumes over Shivaji statue desecration, seeks PM's intervention

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday asked  Karnataka government to take immediate action against reported vandalism of a Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Bengaluru's Shivaji Nagar on Friday. He also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in matter. Several NCP leers, too, have condemned incident. 

It should be mentioned here that in separate acts of vandalism, statues of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Sangolli Rayanna were desecrated in Karnataka's Bengaluru and Belgavi prompting widespre protests across both states. incidents took place a day apart.

"Shivaji Maharaj is deity of not only Maharashtra but of entire country, and any disrespect and insult to founder of  Maratha empire will not be tolerated," CM Uddhav Thakeray said in an official statement.

''PM Modi should direct  Karnataka government to take action in matter. This incident (alleged desecration of statue) cannot be taken lightly. For several years, Marathi-speaking people in Karnataka are facing atrocities. Now, statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is desecrated,'' he ded. 

Earlier in day, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai dressed media on issue and said, "Responsible people shouldn't provoke anybody. Shivaji Maharaj, Sangolli Rayanna and Rani Chennamma united country. If we start fighting in ir name, it'll be an injustice to fight by m." 

Police Commissioner Dr K. Thiyagarajan informed that in wake of protests after desecration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Sangolli Rayanna statues last night, a prohibitory order has been extended under Sec 144 CRPC from 6 AM on Dec 19 to 6 AM on Dec 20 in Belagavi

Meanwhile, Karnataka Police have arrested 27 people after several people vandalised statue of a freedom fighter Sangolli Rayanna and smashed around 26 government and police vehicles in Belgavi.

Commissioner of Police, Belagavi city, Dr K Thiyagarajan informed that over 100 miscreants h been identified on Saturday and 27 among m have been arrested. He ded that it is being suspected that vandalism of Sangolli Rayana's statue was a result of flash protests against desecration of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue in Bengaluru. 

Shivaji statue desecrated in Bengaluru

Amid a series of incidents ongoing in Karnataka and Maharashtra, Maharashtra Ekikarana Samithi (MES) slammed Karnataka government over prevailing situation followed by desecration of  Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue in Bengaluru.

A video that has gone viral shows a mob throwing ink over  warrior king's statue after which violent protests erupted on Friday midnight. Demonstrators were seen pelting stones targeting police personnel and government vehicles. 

Notably, Winter Session of Karnataka State Assembly is currently underway in Karnataka's Belgavi, bordering Maharashtra, after a period of two years. 

(With inputs from PTI)