Controversy Erupts over Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue Collapse in Maharashtra

Maharashtra's Chief Minister Eknath Shinde convened a high-level meeting to discuss the collapse of a Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue, causing acute embarrassment to the Mahayuti government ahead of elections. Opposition parties have criticized the government, and an investigation has been launched. The statue collapsed nine months after its unveiling.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde held a late-night meeting with senior state government and Navy officials to address the recent collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Sindhudurg district.

This incident, which occurred just two days ago, has led to significant embarrassment for the Mahayuti government as assembly polls loom, drawing severe criticism from the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and igniting protests.

In addition to Chief Minister Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Iqbal Singh Chahal and Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla, attended the high-level meeting. Navy representatives Vice-Admiral Ajay Kochar and Rear Admiral Manish Chadha also participated. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has publicly apologized for the collapse, vowing to hold those responsible accountable.

(With inputs from agencies.)