Former Union Minister Vijay Goel has expressed strong outrage over the vandalisation of the grand statue of Maharana Pratap at Kudeshia Bagh by anti-social elements.

Goel was among the first to arrive at the site, where he addressed a large gathering of Rajput community members and other activists.

He said that Maharana Pratap is a symbol of bravery and valour, who had refused to accept Akbar’s supremacy and fought against him for ten years.

The former union minister said that the act of vandalising Maharana Pratap’s statue has been carried out by the descendants of Aurangzeb.

He further remarked that it is unfortunate that some Members of Parliament are glorifying Aurangzeb, a Mughal invader, even in the Parliament, while calling Maharana Sanga a traitor.

The miscreants broke one of Maharana Pratap’s hands, damaged his crown, and also broke his spear.

Goel said the administration for its negligence, pointing out that the statue was vandalised on March 18, yet no action has been taken so far. Even the FIR that was registered has not seen any follow-up.

Goel firmly stated that India will not tolerate such an insult to Maharana Pratap. He demanded that statues of great leaders, warriors, and heroines across Delhi and the country should be safeguarded, CCTV cameras should be installed at such sites, and strict action should be taken against the followers of Mughal invaders, whom he called traitors.

Goel warned that if the damaged statue is not restored immediately or a new statue is not installed, the movement will continue indefinitely. He also spoke to MCD Commissioner Ashwani Kumar, as the park falls under the municipal corporation, and demanded the immediate installation of CCTV cameras and security guards at the site.

Goel alleged that this act was not random but seemed to be the work of extremist Muslim organisations, and urged the Muslim community to condemn it.