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Shivaji Statue Collapse Sparks Outrage
Shivaji Maharaj statue collapse, PM Modi statue unveiling, Sindhudurg Rajkot Fort, Maharashtra statue controversy, statue quality issues
A 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, unveiled by PM Narendra Modi last year, collapsed at Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg. The incident has led to criticism of the Maharashtra government’s oversight and quality control in construction.
The information provided in this article is based on reports available at the time of publication. The investigation into the statue’s collapse is ongoing, and further details may emerge. All views and statements are attributed to the individuals and organizations mentioned.
Maharashtra: 35-Foot Shivaji Statue Unveiled by PM Modi Collapses
In a dramatic turn of events, a 35-foot statue of Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last December, collapsed at Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg district on Monday. The statue, a symbol of regional pride and historical significance, had been a focal point of a high-profile event marking Navy Day on December 4, 2023.
The incident occurred around 1 p.m., with preliminary reports indicating that recent severe weather conditions—heavy rains and gusty winds—may have contributed to the Shivaji Statue Collapse Sparks Outrage. The statue’s sudden fall has triggered a storm of criticism and controversy, with opposition parties and local leaders pointing fingers at the state government’s oversight and quality control measures.
Details of the Incident
According to officials on the scene, senior members of the police and district administration promptly arrived to assess the situation and evaluate the damage. The exact cause of the collapse is still under investigation. Experts are expected to conduct a detailed examination to determine whether structural faults or weather-related factors were responsible.
The statue, which was inaugurated with great fanfare by PM Modi, was intended to commemorate Shivaji Maharaj’s contributions to naval strategy and fortification. Its collapse has not only shocked locals but also reignited discussions about the quality and maintenance of public monuments.
Political Reactions and Criticisms
The opposition parties have been quick to seize on the incident to criticize the Maharashtra government. Jayant Patil, state president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and a former minister, has lambasted the state government for its alleged negligence. Patil asserts that the government’s focus was more on the event’s political implications rather than ensuring the quality and durability of the statue.
“The state government is responsible for this unfortunate incident,” Patil stated. “They neglected the quality of work in favor of political showmanship. This administration is more interested in issuing new tenders and securing contracts than in ensuring the proper execution of public projects.”
Similarly, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Vaibhav Naik has voiced concerns about the integrity of the construction process. Naik has demanded a thorough probe into the matter and warned that attempts to evade responsibility will not be tolerated.
“The collapse of this statue raises serious questions about the state government’s commitment to quality and safety,” Naik remarked. “Those accountable for the construction and installation must be investigated thoroughly. The public deserves transparency and accountability.”
Government Response and Future Plans
In response to the criticisms, Maharashtra Minister Deepak Kesarkar has emphasized that the government is taking the incident seriously. While Kesarkar admitted to not having full details yet, he assured that a comprehensive investigation will be conducted. He also affirmed the government’s commitment to restoring the monument.
“The Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Ravindra Chavan, who also serves as the guardian minister of Sindhudurg district, has assured that a thorough investigation will be carried out,” Kesarkar said. “We are dedicated to addressing this issue promptly and effectively. Our goal is to erect a new statue at the same location, honoring Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy and the historical significance of the fort.”
Kesarkar’s comments underscore the government’s intention to not only rectify the situation but also to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future. The restoration effort will likely be closely monitored to prevent any further controversies.
The collapse of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, just months after its grand unveiling, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges associated with public monument projects. As investigations proceed and political debates continue, the focus will remain on determining the root causes of the failure and ensuring that future projects meet the highest standards of quality and safety. For now, the people of Maharashtra, along with political leaders and stakeholders, await further developments and resolutions to this significant issue.
