Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde Condemns Collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Statue

Thane (Maharashtra) [India], September 1: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has condemned the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue in Sindhudurg. He urged the opposition to stop politicizing the incident and assured strict action against those responsible.

Speaking to reporters, CM Shinde said, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is the biggest God for us; he is a worshipped deity. His statue falling suddenly is a condemnable incident. Strict action will be taken by the government against the person whose mistakes have caused this incident, but I want to say to the opposition party leaders that they should stop doing politics on this.”

CM Shinde also mentioned that a new statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj would be made at the same place soon. He called for cooperation from everyone to rebuild the statue. “You people should come together and cooperate in how to make this excellent statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj again at the same place as soon as possible. Do not do politics for this. The state government has involved big artists in this and soon we will make the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj again at the same place,” he added.

Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant criticized the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) for politicizing the incident. He said, “The politics that is happening over the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue collapse incident is very bad… An investigation should be conducted… PM Modi has apologized for the incident and even after that, holding a protest is just politics.”

Earlier, Uddhav Thackeray said that Maharashtra’s soul has been insulted and the people will never forget those who insulted Chhatrapati Shivaji. Addressing a protest rally, Thackeray targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “There is no excuse for this mistake. Shivaji Maharaj and Gateway of India is the gateway of our country. This anti-Shiva government is sitting in an unconstitutional manner. The Prime Minister of the country came four days ago. He apologized. Even while apologizing, he did not have anything on his face.”

Thackeray added, “Did you apologize for putting up the Maharaja’s statue to cover up the corruption? This is Modi’s guarantee, wherever he lays his hands, truth will be destroyed. Maharashtra’s soul has been insulted, Maharashtra’s religion has been insulted. Maharashtra will never forgive those who insult Shivaji.”

The 35-foot-tall statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sindhudurg district collapsed on August 26. It had been unveiled on December 4 last year as part of Navy Day celebrations, which were held in Sindhudurg for the first time.