Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Palghar, Maharashtra, issued a heartfelt apology to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and all those who were hurt by the collapse of the iconic ruler’s statue at Rajkot Fort. Addressing the incident, PM Modi expressed his deep regret and emphasized the importance of the Maratha leader to the people of India.
“The moment I arrived here, my first act was to apologize to Shivaji Maharaj for the unfortunate statue collapse. I also extend my apologies to everyone who has been affected by this incident,” PM Modi stated in his speech. He further added, “To those who revere Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as their deity and have been deeply hurt, I bow my head and offer my apologies. Our values prioritize respect for our deities above all else.”
The statue, which PM Modi had unveiled last year during the Navy Day celebrations in December, was intended to honor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s significant contributions to maritime defense and security. The statue symbolized the historical connection between the Maratha Navy and the modern Indian Navy.
However, the collapse of the statue has sparked controversy, with the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance accusing the ruling government of corruption related to the statue’s construction. The MVA has called for the resignation of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
In response to the incident, a joint technical committee has been established, led by the Indian Navy, and includes representatives from the Maharashtra Government and technical experts. This committee will thoroughly investigate the circumstances leading to the damage to the statue.
