Mumbai: Following the Maha Vikas Agadhi’s (MVA) call for ‘Halla Bol’ march, thousands of supporters gathered in Mumbai to protest against the Eknath Shinde-led state government.

The allies of MVA Shiv Sena (UBT), Nationalist Congress Party and Congress are taking out the procession over a series of controversies prevailing in the state, starting with the remarks of Maharashtra Governor BS Koshiyari on Chhatrapati Shivaji.

Addressing public in Aurangabad, the Governor called the Shivaji an icon of ‘olden days’ and asked youth to choose new icon such as B.R. Ambedkar. The Opposition parties severely criticised the statement, calling it an “insult” to the Maratha warrior.

“The people of Maharashtra will not tolerate anything said against Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr Savitribai Phule and other great personalities. Our message to the Shinde government is that they shouldn’t try to change the history of the state,” said NCP leader Dilip Walse Patil.

Maharashtra-Karnataka Border Issue

The rally which also intends to showcase the Opposition in Maharashtra as united, highlights the border issues shared with Karnataka, causing violence to both the sides. The issue has been prevailing since past seven decades.

Big Projects Given Away To Gujarat

Meanwhile, Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat accused the state government of giving away a number of projects to Gujarat, helping the Bharatiya Janata Party to win Assembly elections.

“Some of the major projects were taken away from Maharashtra and given to Gujarat, and BJP won the elections there. The people of Maharashtra will give a strong message to the BJP with their vote.”