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Congress Demands Apology from PM Modi Over Shivaji Statue Collapse Ahead of Maharashtra Visit
High Tension in Mumbai as Congress Demands Apology from PM Modi Over Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue Collapse Ahead of His Maharashtra Visit
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit Maharashtra today, tensions are running high in Mumbai due to a political standoff between the Congress party and the BJP-led central government.
The situation intensified following the recent collapse of a statue of the iconic Maratha warrior, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, sparking a wave of criticism from opposition parties.
The Congress has taken the lead in questioning the Prime Minister over the incident, accusing the government of negligence and disrespect toward the revered historical figure.
According to party leaders, the collapse of the statue is not just an accident, but a symbol of the government’s disregard for Maharashtra’s heritage and cultural pride.
To amplify their demands, Congress has plastered posters across key locations in Mumbai, calling on PM Modi to issue a public apology for the incident.
The posters, prominently displayed in various neighborhoods, feature slogans demanding accountability and swift action to restore the statue.
The party claims that this is an issue of deep emotional significance to the people of Maharashtra, who revere Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a hero and symbol of Maratha pride.
Congress spokespersons have openly criticized the government’s handling of the situation, insisting that such a collapse should never have occurred in the first place.
“This statue is not just a monument; it represents the heart of Maharashtra. The Prime Minister must address this failure and issue a sincere apology to the people of the state,” one Congress leader stated.
On the other hand, the BJP has downplayed the incident, attributing it to technical issues or unforeseen circumstances rather than government negligence.
The ruling party has yet to release an official statement regarding the Congress’ demands, but they are expected to address the matter during PM Modi’s visit.
Amid this high drama, security in Mumbai has been tightened ahead of the Prime Minister’s arrival, with large crowds expected to gather.
Political observers believe that how this issue is handled during his visit could have significant implications for the government’s relationship with Maharashtra’s electorate, especially given the upcoming elections.
All eyes are now on PM Modi’s response, with both the Congress party and the citizens of Maharashtra awaiting clarity on the government’s stance on this politically sensitive issue.
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“You Can Still Have Subsidy Without Long Queues” — Rufai Oseni Speaks On Subsidy
TV anchor Rufai Oseni makes headlines as he speaks on fuel subsidy in Nigeria. He shared that Nigeria can have fuel subsidy without the long queues at filling stations.
“When we were still paying subsidies, there were no long queues. We were subsidising. So you can still have a subsidy regime going on, and there will be no long queues because production was close by. Dangote had it. That’s just it. That argument also falls flat.
“The biggest beneficiaries of subsidy are not Nigerians. They are crony capitalists that have big infrastructure, and they do contracts. They have been the biggest beneficiaries of the subsidy,” he said.
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Sanwo-Olu Speaks on Lagos’ Power Challenges and the Need for Change
Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu, speaks to those in the electricity sector about the usual blackouts in the state.
He speaks on ways things can change in the state and how electricity can be provided.
“We need to drop corporate egos, abandon long-standing excuses, and confront the harsh realities obstructing progress in the power sector.”
“We, state governments, used to give excuses that everything is centralised, so the Federal Government has unbundled it now. What have we done in a year and a half?” Sanwo-Olu asked.
“We take two steps forward, we go five steps backward,” he said.
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Sanwo-Olu Declares August 20 Public Holiday in Lagos for Isese Festival
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared Thursday, August 20, a work-free day for public servants in the state to mark the Isese Festival.
Speaking on the celebration, he said “Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not a relic. It is a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality as an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape,” he said.
He added “When the drums sound in Lagos on Thursday, they answer drums in Havana, in Salvador, in Port of Spain. Fifty-five million people and counting. Lagos is not observing a local holiday. Lagos is standing at the centre of a global heritage,” Aregbe said.
