Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue at Rajkot Fort in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district, expressing deep regret over the incident. Speaking at a public event in Palghar, the Prime Minister reportedly highlighted the profound significance of Shivaji Maharaj, emphasizing that the Maratha emperor is not just a historical figure for him and his colleagues but is revered as a deity by many. Modi acknowledged the emotional impact of the statue’s collapse and extended his apologies to those who hold Shivaji Maharaj in the highest esteem.
State Government Embarrassed
The 35-foot statue, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi during Navy Day celebrations on December 4th of the previous year, collapsed on August 26th. This incident has caused considerable embarrassment for the state government. Reflecting on the event, Modi reportedly recalled a significant moment in 2013, when he was named his party’s Prime Ministerial candidate. During that time, he visited Raigad Fort, where he paid homage to Shivaji Maharaj’s statue and sought blessings, a gesture rooted in his cultural values.
Political Fallout
The collapse of the statue has ignited a heated political controversy in Maharashtra, particularly as the state prepares for upcoming elections. Initial statements from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attributed the incident to strong winds along the coast. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis further clarified that the statue had been constructed by the Navy, not by the state government. However, after apparent dissatisfaction from the BJP’s central leadership, Shinde offered a public apology, stating he would not hesitate to apologize repeatedly for the unfortunate incident.
Faulty Handling of Statue Construction
In response to the Prime Minister’s apology, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi reportedly criticized the government’s handling of the statue’s construction. She accused the government of rushing the project for election-related publicity and alleged that the entire process was tainted by corruption. Chaturvedi claimed that the necessary approvals were not properly secured before the statue was erected, suggesting that these oversights contributed to its collapse. This criticism adds another layer of complexity to the political tensions surrounding the incident as the state gears up for a highly charged election season.
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