A large statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj recently collapsed in Maharashtra, eliciting strong condemnation from opposition parties who have accused the BJP government of substandard workmanship. The incident has sparked significant public outcry, with critics attributing the statue’s failure to its poor quality.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the situation during a visit to Palghar on Friday, offering a formal apology for the collapse. “I apologize to all those affected by this incident. The reverence for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is profound, and I extend my sincere apologies to those who were deeply saddened. There is nothing more significant to us than this revered figure,” Modi stated.
The 35-feet-tall statue, unveiled by Modi on December 4 of the previous year during Navy Day celebrations, fell recently. While experts suggest that heavy rains and strong winds may have contributed to the collapse, the fact that it occurred within nine months of installation has heightened scrutiny. The state government, amid ongoing election campaigns, has faced criticism for prioritizing political activities over ensuring the quality of the statue.