Shiv Sena, MNS corner BJP over Hutatma Chowk

Maharashtra Day saw high drama with Shiv Sena and MNS targeting the BJP-led state government for not decorating the Hutatma Chowk memorial in Forton the occasion. Every year, May 1 is celebrated by paying homage to the 105 martyrs — who laid down their lives for ‘United Maharashtra’ which came into existence on this day in 1960. Their names are inscribed on Hutatma Chowk Memorial. With no efforts taken this year to fulfil the annual custom of decorating the memorial, the state government found itself cornered by all parties, including BJP ally, Sena. Expecting criticism, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis defended himself on the eve of Maharashtra Day saying he was the CM of ‘United Maharashtra’. Meanwhile, Vidarbha saw a clutch of protests on the issue of “separate statehood” with one of them led by BJP supporter and former state AG, Shreehari Aney.

Paying tribute at Hutatma Chowk on Sunday, Sena MP Sanjay Raut, blamed BJP for not honouring the memorial. “Hundred and five martyrs have laid down their lives for ‘United Maharashtra’ along with Mumbai. Every year, decoration and lighting is done in the area. But nothing has happened this year. This is not any political event. But the same party (BJP) has also shown black flags on the day,” he said. Echoing MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s views, Mr Raut said the lack of decoration was due to change in government.

However, Sena Chief, Uddhav Thackeray, did not visit the memorial and chose to pay his respects at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue near the airport instead. He vowed to keep United Maharashtra intact.

The CM and Raj Thackeray too paid tribute at the memorial to mark the day. An upset Raj Thackeray said, “I feel ashamed today.

Every year, the area is garlanded by flowers but today, there is not a single flower. It is shameful. The Congress-NCP government was better than this BJP government. At least they used to decorate Hutatma Chowk. BJP and Shiv Sena have not given due respect to the martyrs of United Maharashtra.”

The BJP was seen as being isolated on Maharashtra Day after criticism from the Sena and MNS. Expecting the criticism, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended himself on the eve of Maharashtra Day saying he was the CM of “United Maharashtra”.

Even as BJP’s local leaders made efforts to hold programmes to mark the occasion, party supporter Mr Aney held a protest for separate Vidarbha in Nagpur. Though it did not draw much of a crowd, anti-Maharashtra slogans were shouted. “The way the separate Vidarbha movement has been gaining momentum, Sena and MNS are scared,” said Mr Aney.

To counter Mr Aney’s protest, MNS organised another rally in Nagpur supporting United Maharashtra while Sena workers burnt a statue of Mr Aney. A few AAP leaders were seen supporting the separate Vidarbha protest. In Yavatmal, buses were damaged and in Buldhana, a group of activists wore black ribbons.