Maharashtra govt under fire after collapse of 35-foot Shivaji statue inaugurated by PM Modi last year

In India's Maharashtra, a 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that was unveiled less than a year ago by Prime Minister Narendra Modi collapsed on Monday (August 26). Following the incident, the opposition partiesslammed the Shiv Senagovernment — part of the Modi-led BJP-NDA alliance — for paying "little attention to the quality of work".

Opposition blames state government

NCP (SP) state president and former minister Jayant Patil has blamed the state government — Shiv Sena, which is part of the NDA alliance — for the collapse.

"The state government is responsible for the collapse, as it did not take proper care. The government paid little attention to the quality of work. It only focused on conducting an event where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited to unveil the statue."

"This Maharashtra government only issues new tenders, accepts commissions and gives contracts accordingly," he alleged.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Vaibhav Naik also criticised the state government and said that it might "try to evade responsibility".

Shivaji statue

The 35-foot statue was unveiled in December 2023 by PM Modi. A tribute to Shivaji Maharaj's visionary efforts, it was located at a fort in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district and cost approximately Rs 3600 crores ($500 million).

While experts are still investigating the reason for the statue's collapse, PTI, citing officials, reports that heavy rains and gusty winds faced by the district in the last two to three days may be to blame.

"I don't have all the details about the incident. However, it's important to note that PWD Minister Ravindra Chavan, also the guardian minister of Sindhudurg district, has said a thorough investigation will be conducted in the matter," said Maharashtra Minister Deepak Kesarkar.

He also said that a new statue will be erected at the same location.

"We are committed to erecting a new statue at the same location. This statue, unveiled by PM Modi, pays tribute to Shivaji Maharaj's visionary efforts in building a sea fort. We will take all necessary steps to address this matter promptly and effectively."

(With inputs from agencies)