Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued an apology following the recent collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra. Addressing a rally in Palghar on Friday, Modi expressed regret for the incident, stating, “In 2013, when the BJP nominated me as the PM candidate, I began my journey by paying homage at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s samadhi at Raigad. Today, I bow my head and apologize to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who holds a revered place in our hearts.”
Modi further emphasized, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is more than just a name to us. We are not among those who demean and insult great figures like Veer Savarkar. Unlike them, we hold our values in high regard and do not shy away from taking responsibility.”
The apology comes in the wake of the 35-foot statue’s collapse on August 26, which has sparked considerable controversy. The statue was unveiled last December as part of Navy Day celebrations in Sindhudurg, intended to honor the Maratha Navy and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s contributions to maritime defense.
The Congress party has criticized Modi over the incident, demanding his apology. Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad questioned Modi’s involvement in the statue’s inauguration and called out alleged corruption, stating, “The statue, inaugurated by Modi Ji, collapsed just eight months later. This incident points to underlying corruption. When will Modi Ji apologize?”
The controversy has intensified as calls for accountability continue to mount.
