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The collapse of a statue dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a revered historical figure in India, has sparked controversy and political tensions in Maharashtra. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who unveiled the statue last year, issued a public apology for the incident, expressing his regret to both Shivaji and those affected by the collapse. The statue, located at Rajkot Fort, was meant to honor Shivaji's contributions to maritime defense and security, highlighting the historical ties between the Maratha Navy and the modern Indian Navy. Modi's apology, delivered during a visit to Palghar, Maharashtra, acknowledged the deep respect and reverence held for Shivaji among many Indians, emphasizing the importance of their beliefs and values. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, however, has seized upon the incident, accusing the ruling government of corruption in the statue's construction. They have demanded the resignations of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, placing pressure on the government to address allegations of wrongdoing. To investigate the causes of the statue's collapse, a joint technical committee has been formed, comprising representatives from the Indian Navy, the Maharashtra Government, and technical experts. The committee's findings are expected to shed light on the factors that contributed to the incident, potentially revealing whether negligence or structural issues played a role.
The controversy surrounding the statue collapse has highlighted the deep-seated political divisions within Maharashtra. The opposition's calls for resignations are a clear attempt to capitalize on the incident and weaken the ruling coalition. The government, however, faces the challenge of maintaining public trust while also ensuring a thorough investigation into the causes of the collapse. The incident also raises concerns about the quality of construction projects undertaken by the government, particularly those with significant historical and cultural significance. The statue was intended to be a symbol of national pride and a tribute to Shivaji's legacy. Its collapse has cast a shadow over this objective, sparking public debate and raising questions about the government's commitment to preserving historical heritage.
Source: "I Apologise At Shivaji's Feet": PM Modi In Maharashtra On Statue Collapse