Maharashtra Govt Vows Action Over Chhatrapati Shivaji Statue Collapse

The 35-foot-tall Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue collapsed, prompting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to assure a thorough investigation and strict action against those responsible. The opposition claims corruption and demands Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's resignation. Fadnavis refuted the allegations and opposed politicizing the event.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday declared that the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue is a tragic incident that should not be politicized. He assured a comprehensive investigation and promised strict action against those found responsible.

The 35-foot-tall statue of the 17th-century Maratha empire founder, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last December, unexpectedly fell on Monday. The opposition has accused the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti coalition of corruption, demanding Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's resignation.

Fadnavis urged the opposition not to leverage the tragedy for political gain, emphasizing that Maharashtra doesn't benefit from such politics. He affirmed that the Navy, which constructed the statue, is taking the investigation seriously and will ensure accountability.