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A 35-foot-tall statue of Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year at Rajkot fort in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district, tragically collapsed on Monday. The incident sparked immediate controversy, with opposition parties accusing the state government of negligence and poor quality construction. The statue, a symbol of pride for many in Maharashtra, was unveiled on December 4, 2023, on Indian Navy Day. The Navy, in collaboration with the state government, had designed and erected the statue, which was later handed over to the local administration for maintenance.
The collapse, which occurred around 1 pm at Rajkot Fort in Malvan, sparked widespread concern and immediate investigation. While the exact cause of the collapse is yet to be determined, officials pointed to the heavy rains and gusty winds experienced in the region over the past few days as a potential factor. Experts are currently conducting a thorough site assessment to identify the precise reason for the statue's failure. The incident has raised concerns about the quality of construction and the maintenance procedures employed for such significant historical monuments.
The collapse of the statue has ignited a political storm. Opposition parties, including the NCP (SP), Shiv Sena (UBT), AIMIM, and the Congress, have been quick to criticize the state government, led by the BJP. They have alleged that the government prioritized a lavish inauguration ceremony with Prime Minister Modi, overlooking the quality of construction and maintenance. Opposition leaders like Aaditya Thackeray have accused the BJP of prioritizing speed over quality, while other parties have claimed the incident reflects the government's lack of commitment to historical figures like Shivaji Maharaj. The Maharashtra Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, has assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted by officials from the PWD and the Navy, and that the statue will be rebuilt at the same location. However, the controversy surrounding the incident has highlighted the sensitive political climate surrounding historical figures and monuments in India.
Source: 35-Foot Tall Statue Of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Unveiled Last Year, Collapses In Maharashtra