A 35-foot statue of Chhattrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district collapsed on Monday, leading to widespread criticism from opposition parties. The statue, which was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rajkot Fort in Malvan on December 4 last year, fell at around 1 PM on August 26, according to officials.
Details of the Incident
The statue, which was inaugurated during Navy Day celebrations last year, came crashing down amid heavy rains and gusty winds that have battered the region over the past two days. The exact cause of the collapse is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that the weather may have played a significant role.
Senior officials from the police and district administration quickly reached the site to assess the damage and begin the investigation.
Opposition’s Response
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who have accused the Eknath Shinde-led government of neglecting the quality of the statue’s construction.
Jayant Patil, state president of the NCP (SP) and former minister, was among those who blamed the government. “The state government is responsible for the collapse as it did not take proper care. They focused only on organizing a grand event with Prime Minister Narendra Modi rather than ensuring the quality of the work,” Patil stated.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Vaibhav Naik echoed these sentiments, calling for a thorough investigation into the individuals responsible for the construction and erection of the statue. “The government may try to evade responsibility, but those involved must be held accountable,” Naik asserted.
Government’s Response
In response to the criticism, Maharashtra Minister Deepak Kesarkar acknowledged the incident but noted that details were still being gathered. PWD Minister Ravindra Chavan, who is also the guardian minister of Sindhudurg district, has promised a comprehensive investigation into the collapse.
“We are committed to erecting a new statue at the same location. This statue, unveiled by PM Modi, is a tribute to Shivaji Maharaj’s visionary efforts in building a sea fort. We will take all necessary steps to address this matter promptly and effectively,” Kesarkar assured.
The collapse of the statue, a symbol of pride and heritage in Maharashtra, has sparked a debate over the quality of public works and the accountability of those responsible for them. As the investigation unfolds, the people of Maharashtra await further details on what led to this unfortunate event.
