A recent incident in Maharashtra involving the collapse of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has sparked political uproar, with opposition leaders questioning the handling of the situation. The statue, which was reportedly broken a few days ago, drew widespread criticism. Following the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a public apology, saying, I apologize to Shivaji Maharaj.However, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, speaking at a public gathering in Sangli, Maharashtra, raised concerns over the Prime Ministers apology and the circumstances surrounding the statues damage. Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, highlighted several possible reasons behind the apology, insinuating deeper issues that might be at play.Allegations of favoritism and corruptionRahul Gandhi suggested that the contract for the statues construction might have been awarded based on political favoritism. Perhaps the contract for this statue was given to someone from the RSS. Maybe the Prime Minister is now saying that the contract should have been awarded based on merit, Gandhi speculated, hinting at possible political influence in the decision-making process.Additionally, Gandhi expressed concerns over potential corruption. There might have been corruption in the making of the statue, and perhaps the Prime Minister is apologizing for that, he stated, emphasizing the need for transparency in such significant projects.Gandhi also criticized the authorities for not ensuring the statues longevity. You made the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, but you didnt take care to ensure it remains standing, he said, pointing out what he viewed as negligence in maintaining a monument of such historical and cultural importance.Call for a broader apologyGandhi concluded by accusing Modi of insulting the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj through his governments actions. “Narendra Modi has insulted Shivaji Maharaj. He should apologize not only to Shivaji Maharaj but to every person in Maharashtra,” Gandhi declared, calling for a broader, more meaningful apology to the people of the state who hold Shivaji Maharaj in high regard.यहां कुछ दिन पहले छत्रपति शिवाजी महाराज की मूर्ति टूट गई।इसके बाद नरेंद्र मोदी जी ने कहा- मैं शिवाजी महाराज से माफी मांगता हूं।माफी मांगने के अलग-अलग कारण हो सकते हैं-• इस मूर्ति का कान्ट्रैक्ट RSS के किसी व्यक्ति को दिया गया हो.. शायद प्रधानमंत्री कह रहे हों कि मुझे… pic.twitter.com/fPpqNUyFI5— Congress (@INCIndia) September 5, 2024The broken statue incident has now become a flashpoint in Maharashtras political landscape, with opposition leaders using it to question the ruling governments integrity and accountability.
