PM Modi apologises in Maharashtra for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue collapse at Sindhudurg Fort. The incident sparks political controversy, with demands for accountability and better infrastructure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today publicly apologized in Maharashtra for the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue at Rajkot Fort, Malvan. The 35-foot-tall statue at Sindhudurg Fort, which had been inaugurated just eight months ago, fell on August 26, sparking outrage across the state.
Acknowledging the Devastation
As soon as he landed in Palghar, PM Modi expressed his deep regret over the incident, acknowledging the emotional impact it had on those who revere Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. “The moment I landed here, I first apologised to Shivaji over the statue collapse. I also apologise to the people who were hurt by the collapse,” the Prime Minister said, recognizing the profound reverence that many hold for the Maratha ruler.
PM Modi further stated, “Those who consider Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as their deity and have been deeply hurt, I bow my head and apologise to them. Our values are different. For us, nothing is bigger than our deity.”
The Incident and Its Aftermath
The statue, which was installed to honor the Maratha Navy and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s contributions to maritime defense, was intended as a symbolic linkage to the modern Indian Navy. However, the collapse has led to serious questions regarding the infrastructure surrounding its construction.
According to the Public Works Department (PWD), the statue’s stability was compromised due to rusting nuts and bolts, an issue that had been flagged but ultimately ignored. Critics have seized on this oversight, leading to widespread condemnation and demands for accountability.
Political Fallout
The incident has triggered a political storm in Maharashtra. The Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance has accused the ruling government of corruption and negligence in the statue’s construction. They have demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Amidst this uproar, Eknath Shinde responded by stating that he would “put his head on the Maratha warrior’s feet and apologise 100 times” if necessary.
PM Modi’s Subtle Critique
While addressing the controversy, PM Modi also took the opportunity to subtly criticize the Opposition for their perceived disrespect towards another historical figure, Veer Savarkar. Without directly naming anyone, Modi remarked, “Our values are different, we are not those people who keep abusing and insulting the great son of Mother India, the son of this land, Veer Savarkar.” This was seen as a veiled reference to Rahul Gandhi, who is currently embroiled in a criminal defamation case related to comments about Savarkar.
The Road Ahead
The collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue at Sindhudurg Fort has not only caused physical damage but has also led to a significant political and cultural controversy. As investigations continue into how the statue collapsed, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous infrastructure standards, especially when it comes to monuments of such national significance. The apology from PM Modi is a step towards addressing the hurt sentiments, but the call for accountability and better infrastructure remains loud and clear.
