Shivaji Maharaj Statue Unveiled by PM Modi Topples in Maharashtra; CM Eknath Shinde Attributes Collapse to ‘Strong Winds’ Amid Opposition Backlash 2024

Shivaji Maharaj Statue Unveiled by PM Modi Topples Amid Storm in Maharashtra, CM Shinde Cites ‘Strong Winds’ as Opposition Slams ‘Shoddy Workmanship’

Sindhudurg, Maharashtra – A towering statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi just eight months ago, collapsed today amidst heavy rainfall and fierce winds in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district. The statue, which stood proudly at Rajkot Fort in Malvan, came crashing down at approximately 1 pm, leaving a significant impact both physically and politically.

The statue, a 126-foot bronze homage to the revered Maratha warrior king, was inaugurated on December 4, 2023, during Navy Day celebrations, a day that marked not only the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj but also India’s naval prowess. However, this grand symbol of pride has now become the center of a political storm, as opposition parties lash out at the Maharashtra government for what they claim is a clear case of substandard workmanship and negligence. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, reacting swiftly to the incident, attributed the statue’s collapse to the severe weather conditions that have battered the region over the past few days. “We have deep emotions for Shivaji Maharaj, whom we revere as a God. The statue fell due to strong winds, which is unfortunate. Our Minister is currently on-site, inspecting the situation,” Shinde stated, attempting to quell the mounting criticism. The collapse occurred during a violent storm that swept through the coastal regions, with winds strong enough to topple the massive structure into the sea. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident has left the statue and the surrounding area significantly damaged. Senior police and district officials quickly arrived at the scene to assess the damage, and an official investigation was promptly launched. However, the opposition was quick to pounce on the government, accusing it of shoddy construction and poor oversight. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Vaibhav Naik, who inspected the site, was vocal in his criticism. “The statue fell not because of the wind but due to substandard workmanship. The state government may try to evade responsibility, but those responsible for the construction and erection of the statue must be thoroughly investigated,” Naik declared, echoing a sentiment that has been widely shared among opposition ranks. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) state president Jayant Patil joined the chorus, lambasting the state government for focusing more on the pomp and ceremony of the inauguration than on ensuring the structural integrity of the statue. “This Maharashtra government is more interested in issuing new tenders, accepting commissions, and awarding contracts accordingly. They neglected the quality of the work, and now we are seeing the consequences,” Patil remarked, adding to the growing outrage. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi took her criticism to social media, questioning the accountability of the government and the contractors involved. “The statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj erected at Sindhudurg collapsed today. Modi Ji had inaugurated the structure in December last year. Who was the contractor? Is it correct that the work was given to a Thane-based contractor? What action will be taken against the contractor? How much ‘khoke’ (bribe) did the contractor pass on to the ‘khoke sarkar’?” Chaturvedi tweeted, using the collapse as a rallying point against what she described as widespread corruption within the government. In response to the backlash, state minister Deepak Kesarkar attempted to reassure the public, promising that the government would replace the statue at the same location and address any issues related to its construction. “I don’t have all the details about the incident. However, it’s important to note that PWD Minister Ravindra Chavan, who is also the guardian minister of Sindhudurg district, has said a thorough investigation will be conducted in the matter. We are committed to erecting a new statue at the same location,” Kesarkar stated. He continued, “This statue, unveiled by PM Modi, was meant to pay 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, ensuring that the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj is honored appropriately.” As the investigation unfolds, the collapse of the Shivaji Maharaj statue is likely to remain a focal point of political contention in Maharashtra. With accusations of corruption and negligence flying high, the incident has not only caused physical damage but also stirred deep emotional and political reverberations across the state. The outcome of the promised investigation and the government’s subsequent actions will be closely watched, as the people of Maharashtra look for accountability and the restoration of their historical icon.