35-Foot Shivaji Maharaj Statue Inaugurated by PM Modi Collapses in Sindhudurg, Sparking Outrage
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/27th August 2024
A 35-foot tall statue of the revered Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which was proudly unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has collapsed in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, causing widespread controversy. The statue, located at Rajkot Fort in Malvan, Sindhudurg district, had been inaugurated less than a year ago, on December 4. The incident, which occurred around 1 PM on Monday, has drawn harsh criticism from opposition parties who are holding the state government accountable for what they describe as negligence and poor quality workmanship.
Local officials have pointed to severe weather conditions as a possible contributing factor to the statue’s collapse. Over the past few days, the Sindhudurg district has experienced heavy rains and strong winds, which may have weakened the structure. While the exact cause of the collapse is still under investigation, the weather is being considered a significant factor. Experts are expected to examine the site to determine the precise reasons behind this unfortunate incident.
In the aftermath, opposition leaders have been vocal in their condemnation of the state government. Jayant Patil, the state president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and a former minister, was particularly scathing in his remarks. He accused the government of being more concerned with the grandeur of the inauguration ceremony than with ensuring the durability and quality of the statue’s construction. Patil claimed that the government’s focus on organizing a high-profile event, with Prime Minister Modi in attendance, overshadowed the critical need for thorough and careful planning. He also alleged that the government had engaged in corrupt practices during the project, such as issuing new tenders and accepting commissions without proper oversight.
Similar sentiments were echoed by other opposition leaders. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Vaibhav Naik condemned what he described as substandard workmanship. He called for a comprehensive investigation into those responsible for the statue’s construction and installation, emphasizing that accountability must be enforced. Naik stressed that the state government cannot evade responsibility for the collapse, and those involved in the project must be held to account.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut added his voice to the criticism, suggesting that the statue’s hasty unveiling was politically motivated. In an interview with ANI, Raut argued that more time should have been invested in the project to properly honor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a figure of immense historical significance. He accused the government of prioritizing electoral gains over the respectful commemoration of a great leader.
In response to the mounting criticism, Maharashtra Minister Deepak Kesarkar acknowledged the incident but stated that he was still gathering details. He referred to comments made by PWD Minister Ravindra Chavan, the guardian minister of Sindhudurg district, who assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted. Kesarkar also committed to erecting a new statue at the same location, emphasizing the government’s dedication to rectifying the situation. He assured the public that the statue, which was intended to honor Shivaji Maharaj’s visionary efforts in constructing a sea fort, would be replaced promptly and with the necessary measures taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
