PM Modi Apologizes for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue Collapse

Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologized to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the people affected by the collapse of his statue in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra. Modi emphasized the significance of Shivaji Maharaj and announced an investigation. He also laid the foundation stone for the Rs 76,000 crore Vadhvan Port project aimed at Maharashtra's development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday issued an apology to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and those affected by the collapse of the warrior king’s statue in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra.

“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a name or a king. For us, he is our deity. Today, I bow my head at his feet and apologize to my deity,” Modi stated, following the laying of the foundation stone for the Rs 76,000 crore Vadhvan Port project in Palghar district.

The PM highlighted, “Our values are different. For us, nothing is bigger than our deity. Some people keep abusing Veer Savarkar but are not ready to apologize for insulting him.”

Upon arrival, Modi first apologized to Shivaji Maharaj over the statue incident and extended his apologies to those hurt by it. Unveiled last December during the Navy Day celebrations, the statue was meant to honor Shivaji Maharaj's maritime legacy.

The state government has announced a joint technical committee, including Navy and state government representatives and technical experts, to investigate the statue's collapse.

Addressing the project, Modi said, “A developed Maharashtra is key to a developed India. Over the past decade, continuous major decisions have been taken for Maharashtra's progress. To ensure the state and the entire country benefits, the foundation stone for Vadhvan Port has been laid today.”

(With inputs from agencies.)