Shivaji Statue Collapse Sparks Outrage: Calls for Accountability Intensify

A statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj recently collapsed in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, prompting strong reactions. BJP leader Nilesh N Rane demands accountability, citing the incident as 'unfortunate.' Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attributes the incident to strong winds, while government officials assure the statue will be reinstalled.

BJP leader Nilesh N Rane on Tuesday inspected the site where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue collapsed, labeling the incident as 'unfortunate' and demanding accountability. The statue, unveiled eight months ago by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district, has been covered up since the mishap.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde blamed 'strong winds' for the statue's fall. 'What happened is unfortunate and should not have occurred. We demand action against those responsible, whether contractors or officials. Action will indeed be taken,' stated Rane.

Rane assured that efforts were already underway to reinstall the statue. 'I thank the people of Maharashtra for their patience. This is a significant issue, and their calm response is commendable. There is understandable anger, but no political exploitation has occurred so far,' Rane added. Maharashtra Minister Deepak Kesarkar also visited the site, suggesting the government was considering building a similar statue in the Arabian Sea.

'This is an accident,' Kesarkar remarked, pointing out the swift erection of the statue by the Navy ahead of Navy Day and the Prime Minister's visit. 'There is now an opportunity to construct a larger statue here, similar to the Statue of Liberty, to attract tourists and pay tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,' he suggested. Local police have filed an FIR against contractor Jaydeep Apte and structural consultant Chetan Patil following the collapse of the 35-foot statue, as confirmed by the Sindhudurg Police. The incident has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who blame the state government for inadequate infrastructure.

(With inputs from agencies.)