New Delhi: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has issued a public apology following the collapse of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sindhudurg district. The statue, which was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 4 last year, fell on August 26. This incident has deeply shocked and saddened many, given the historical and cultural importance of the Maratha warrior king.Ajit Pawars apologyIn a public meeting during his Jan Samman Yatra in Latur district, Ajit Pawar expressed his regret, stating, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is our deity. I apologize to the 130 million people of Maharashtra for the collapse of his statue. This incident within a year of its installation is distressing for all of us. Pawar assured that action will be taken against those responsible, including officials and contractors involved in the statues construction.Watch the video here:गेल्यावर्षी नौदल दिनाचे औचित्य साधून महाराष्ट्राचे आराध्य दैवत छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराजांचा पूर्णाकृती पुतळा मालवणच्या राजकोट किल्ल्यावर उभारण्यात आला होता. महाराजांचा तो पुतळा कोसळल्याची घटना महाराष्ट्रातील तमाम शिवप्रेमींप्रमाणे माझ्यासाठी देखील अतिशय क्लेशदायक आहे. मी शासनाचा भाग… pic.twitter.com/4hfI2yFPpe— Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) August 28, 2024An FIR has been filed against the contractor responsible for the statues construction following a complaint by the Public Works Department. The complaint alleged poor-quality construction and rusted nuts and bolts. This marks a significant step in addressing the issue and seeking accountability.Political reactions, protestsThe incident has drawn sharp criticism from political figures. Shiv Sena (Uttar Pradesh) chief Uddhav Thackeray and NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar have criticized the Eknath Shinde-led government, accusing it of corruption and negligence. Thackeray denounced the governments explanation that the statue fell due to strong winds as the height of shamelessness.Thackeray, accompanied by Sharad Pawar and Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole, addressed the media, expressing deep disappointment and calling for a thorough investigation into the statues construction. He also announced a planned march from Hutatma Chowk to the Gateway of India on September 1 to protest against the government. The march will include prominent leaders from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP), and Congress.
