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The recent collapse of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district has ignited a political firestorm, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) fiercely criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's apology for the incident. The party, a prominent opposition force in Maharashtra, has accused the government of rushing the statue's construction for political gain, highlighting allegations of corruption and improper clearances.
Priyanka Chaturvedi, a prominent leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), vehemently criticized PM Modi, asserting that the statue was hurriedly constructed for his “prachaar” (campaigning) before the upcoming elections. Chaturvedi alleged widespread corruption in the entire process, claiming that necessary clearances were not obtained before the statue's construction at Rajkot fort. The government, she further alleged, is attempting to deflect blame by accusing the Indian Navy for the incident.
In a stark contrast to the opposition's criticisms, PM Modi, during a visit to Maharashtra's Palghar district, offered a formal apology to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his followers for the statue's collapse. He expressed deep remorse, acknowledging that Shivaji Maharaj was not just a historical figure, but a deity revered by many. PM Modi emphasized his own reverence for the Maratha warrior king, stating that for him, there is nothing greater than his “Aaradhya De” (deity).
The 35-foot Shivaji statue, unveiled by PM Modi on December 4, 2023, during Navy Day celebrations, came crashing down on August 26th. This incident sparked a political slugfest in Maharashtra, with opposition parties accusing the government of prioritizing the statue's unveiling before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, even if it meant compromising on its construction quality and safety.
The Mahayuti government, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, faced further criticism for attributing the statue's collapse to wind and weather conditions. The opposition demanded Shinde's resignation, accusing the government of negligence and attempting to evade responsibility for the incident.
The controversy surrounding the Shivaji statue collapse underscores the deep political divisions in Maharashtra, highlighting the competing narratives surrounding the incident. While the government attempts to downplay the incident and deflect blame, the opposition continues to demand accountability and transparency, raising questions about the construction process, clearances, and the government's priorities leading up to the statue's collapse.