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The collapse of a 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra has sparked a political controversy, with the ruling BJP government blaming the Indian Navy for the incident while the opposition accuses the government of corruption and blameshifting. The statue, erected in Sindhudurg district, fell on Monday, prompting widespread criticism and calls for accountability.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attributed the collapse to the Navy's oversight of the construction process, claiming that the statue's makers may have failed to consider crucial local factors, such as high wind speed and the quality of the iron used. Fadnavis stated that the state government was not involved in the construction and emphasized their commitment to building a larger statue at the same location.
The opposition parties, however, dismissed the government's explanation, accusing the BJP of trying to divert attention from its own alleged corruption. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray expressed disbelief that even a revered figure's monument could be affected by corruption within the BJP's ranks. He accused the BJP of favoring certain contractors, compromising the quality of work, and using inaugurations for political gains.
The opposition also pointed out that the statue's collapse occurred shortly before the Lok Sabha elections, implying a possible attempt to capitalize on the incident for political advantage. The opposition's criticism further highlights the deep political divisions in Maharashtra and the potential for the Shivaji statue collapse to become a major issue in the upcoming elections.
The incident has also raised questions about the quality of infrastructure projects in India. The statue's collapse, despite the involvement of a reputed organization like the Navy, has raised concerns about the safety and durability of public monuments. The ongoing inquiry into the incident is expected to shed light on the specific factors that led to the collapse and determine whether there were any negligence or lapses in the construction process.