Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Aug 30) tendered an apology for the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg.

“In 2013, BJP named me as PM candidate. The first thing I did was sit before Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's samadhi at Raigad as a devotee and started on a new journey,” Modi said in Palghar.

“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a name for us... today I bow my head and apologise to my god Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Our values ​​are different, we are not those people who keep abusing and insulting the great son of Mother India, the son of this land, Veer Savarkar. They are not ready to apologize, they are ready to go to the courts and fight,” he added.

The collapse of the statue, which was inaugurated by PM Modi himself on December 4 last year, triggered a massive political controversy. Leaders from the opposition Congress party had demanded the PM tender an apology.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwivqvaMx5yIAxXwZfUHHcxpCo8QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-what-led-to-the-collapse-of-chhatrapati-shivaji-statue-in-indias-sindhudurg-753625" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-what-led-to-the-collapse-of-chhatrapati-shivaji-statue-in-indias-sindhudurg-753625&amp;ved=2ahUKEwivqvaMx5yIAxXwZfUHHcxpCo8QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Here`s what led to the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji statue in India`s Sindhudurg</a>

On Thursday (Aug 29), Maharashtra Chief Minister&nbsp;Eknath Shinde said&nbsp;that the state government is taking swift action to reconstruct the statue, and two committees have been formed to investigate its collapse in the Malvan area.

Meanwhile, one person was arrested in connection with the incident on Thursday. Chetan Patil, the structural consultant named in a previously registered FIR, was detained from Kolhapur, a police statement said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwivqvaMx5yIAxXwZfUHHcxpCo8QxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ready-to-apologise-100-times-for-shivaji-statue-collapse-maharashtra-cm-shinde-ruling-ncp-holds-protests-754408" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ready-to-apologise-100-times-for-shivaji-statue-collapse-maharashtra-cm-shinde-ruling-ncp-holds-protests-754408&amp;ved=2ahUKEwivqvaMx5yIAxXwZfUHHcxpCo8QxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Ready to apologise 100 times for Shivaji statue collapse: Maharashtra CM Shinde; ruling NCP holds protests</a>

Earlier, on Wednesday, Patil had explained that he had submitted the platform's design to the Indian Navy via the state's public works department (PWD) and he was not involved in the statue's construction.

He further claimed that a Thane-based company handled the statue-related work, while his role was limited to the platform.

Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole earlier claimed that the sculptor who was involved in the statue's construction was close to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Aug 30) tendered an apology for the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Aug 30) tendered an apology for the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg. “In 2013, BJP named me as PM candidate. The first thing I did was sit before Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's samadhi at Raigad as a devotee and started on a new journey,” Modi said in Palghar. “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a name for us... today I bow my head and apologise to my god Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Our values are different, we are not those people who keep abusing and insulting the great son of Mother India, the son of this land, Veer Savarkar. They are not ready to apologize, they are ready to go to the courts and fight,” he added. The collapse of the statue, which was inaugurated by PM Modi himself on December 4 last year, triggered a massive political controversy. Leaders from the opposition Congress party had demanded the PM tender an apology. Also read: Here`s what led to the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji statue in India`s Sindhudurg On Thursday (Aug 29), Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that the state government is taking swift action to reconstruct the statue, and two committees have been formed to investigate its collapse in the Malvan area. Meanwhile, one person was arrested in connection with the incident on Thursday. Chetan Patil, the structural consultant named in a previously registered FIR, was detained from Kolhapur, a police statement said. Also read: Ready to apologise 100 times for Shivaji statue collapse: Maharashtra CM Shinde; ruling NCP holds protests Earlier, on Wednesday, Patil had explained that he had submitted the platform's design to the Indian Navy via the state's public works department (PWD) and he was not involved in the statue's construction. He further claimed that a Thane-based company handled the statue-related work, while his role was limited to the platform. Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole earlier claimed that the sculptor who was involved in the statue's construction was close to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). (With inputs from agencies)

‘Today I bow my head,’ PM Modi issues apology over Shivaji statue collapse

An engineer, named in the FIR registered over the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue in the western Indian state of Maharashtra has claimed that he was only responsible for the platform, not the structural integrity of the project.&nbsp;

Chetan Patil, the structural engineer, in an interview with a local channel, said he did not have anything to do with the statue that collapsed at Fort Rajkot in the state's Sindhudurg district. Patil, alongside contractor Jaydeep Apte has been named in the FIR.&nbsp;

“A Thane-based company did the statue-related work. I was just asked to work on the platform on which the statue was being erected,” Patil was quoted as saying by ABP Manjha.

Meanwhile, the Public Works Department (PWD) has blamed the Indian Navy and the sculptor for the collapse of the statue.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The Navy was in a great hurry to complete the statue before the December 4 Indian Navy Day function at Malvan," a PWD official said.&nbsp;

“We were also told&nbsp;that the sculptor and structural consultant had guaranteed a 200-year life for the statue.”

“The sculptor and foundation expert were welding the statue at the spot for nearly two months. In the last eight days, naval officials took over the welding work and kept others out of the site. This will all come out in the investigation,"&nbsp;PWD executive engineer Ajaykumar Sarvagod added.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;India: 35-foot tall Shivaji statue collapses in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district

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<h2>Indian Navy investigates</h2>

The Indian Navy has also opened an investigation into the incident and will reveal the cause of the collapse in due time.&nbsp;

"Along with the State Government and concerned specialists, the Navy has deputed a team to immediately investigate the cause of this unfortunate accident and initiate steps to repair, restore and reinstate the statue at the earliest," the Indian Navy stated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-what-led-to-the-collapse-of-chhatrapati-shivaji-statue-in-indias-sindhudurg-753625">Also read |&nbsp;Here's what led to the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji statue in India's Sindhudurg</a>

State Chief Minister Eknath Shinde claimed that strong winds likely led to the collapse of the statue.&nbsp;

“The incident that happened is unfortunate. This statue was erected by the Navy. They had also designed it. But due to strong winds of around 45 km/h, it fell and got damaged," he said.

The 35-foot statue was unveiled only nine months ago by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and collapsed on Monday (Aug 26) - leading to outrage. Chhatrapati Shivaji was the king of the Maratha empire and a revered figure across India.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

An engineer, named in the FIR registered over the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue in the western Indian state of Maharashtra has claimed that he was only responsible for the platform, not the structural integrity of the project.

An engineer, named in the FIR registered over the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue in the western Indian state of Maharashtra has claimed that he was only responsible for the platform, not the structural integrity of the project. Chetan Patil, the structural engineer, in an interview with a local channel, said he did not have anything to do with the statue that collapsed at Fort Rajkot in the state's Sindhudurg district. Patil, alongside contractor Jaydeep Apte has been named in the FIR. “A Thane-based company did the statue-related work. I was just asked to work on the platform on which the statue was being erected,” Patil was quoted as saying by ABP Manjha. Meanwhile, the Public Works Department (PWD) has blamed the Indian Navy and the sculptor for the collapse of the statue. “The Navy was in a great hurry to complete the statue before the December 4 Indian Navy Day function at Malvan," a PWD official said. “We were also told that the sculptor and structural consultant had guaranteed a 200-year life for the statue.” “The sculptor and foundation expert were welding the statue at the spot for nearly two months. In the last eight days, naval officials took over the welding work and kept others out of the site. This will all come out in the investigation," PWD executive engineer Ajaykumar Sarvagod added. Watch | India: 35-foot tall Shivaji statue collapses in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district × Indian Navy investigates The Indian Navy has also opened an investigation into the incident and will reveal the cause of the collapse in due time. "Along with the State Government and concerned specialists, the Navy has deputed a team to immediately investigate the cause of this unfortunate accident and initiate steps to repair, restore and reinstate the statue at the earliest," the Indian Navy stated. Also read | Here's what led to the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji statue in India's Sindhudurg State Chief Minister Eknath Shinde claimed that strong winds likely led to the collapse of the statue. “The incident that happened is unfortunate. This statue was erected by the Navy. They had also designed it. But due to strong winds of around 45 km/h, it fell and got damaged," he said. The 35-foot statue was unveiled only nine months ago by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and collapsed on Monday (Aug 26) - leading to outrage. Chhatrapati Shivaji was the king of the Maratha empire and a revered figure across India. (With inputs from agencies)

Engineer claims he 'only worked on platform' of collapsed Chhatrapati Shivaji statue in India's Sindhudurg

Under fire over the collapse of a Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday asserted he would not hesitate to touch the feet of the warrior king 100 times and apologise for the incident if required.&nbsp;

Talking to reporters here, Shinde said the opposition has other issues to do politics on but Shivaji Maharaj, a revered figure in Maharashtra, should be kept out of it. As the collapse of the statue four days ago in Sindhudurg district continued to generate heat, the state government set up a technical committee to find out reasons for the crash, while members of the ruling Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, staged silent protests across Maharashtra over the incident.&nbsp;

"Chhatrapati Shivaji is a patron deity of Maharashtra. I am ready to touch his feet 100 times and apologise (for the statue crash). I will not shy away from apologising. Our government functions keeping his (Shivaji's) ideals in mind," Shinde insisted.&nbsp;

His remarks come a day after Ajit Pawar apologised to the people of the state for the collapse of the structure which was installed in the coastal district's Malvan tehsil, around 480km from Mumbai. The 35-foot statue of the 17th-century Maratha empire founder installed at Rajkot Fort premises collapsed on August 26, nearly nine months after it was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, triggering a political storm in the state, which is due for polls in the next few months.&nbsp;

The state government has pointed out that the project was handled by the Indian Navy.&nbsp;

The Navy on Thursday said it conceptualised and steered the project of installing the Shivaji statue in coordination with the state government which provided funding for it. In a statement, the Navy said it remains committed to assisting in all measures to repair, restore and reinstate the statue at the earliest.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/engineer-claims-he-only-worked-on-platform-of-collapsed-chhatrapati-shivaji-statue-in-indias-sindhudurg-754189">Engineer claims he 'only worked on platform' of collapsed Chhatrapati Shivaji statue in India's Sindhudurg</a>

A statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office after Shinde held a late night meeting on Wednesday with ministers, top state and Navy officials said the government has set up a technical committee to probe reasons behind the collapse of the Shivaji Maharaj statue. The panel will comprise engineers, IIT experts and Navy officials. Shinde said two joint panels have been formed. One panel will ascertain the reasons behind the crash, while the other committee comprising experts, sculptors with experience of building Chhatrapati Shivaji statues, engineers and Navy officials will look into the reconstruction aspect.&nbsp;

"Our endeavour is to rebuild the statue," the CM maintained. Shinde said the Navy has demanded that the area where the statue was installed by cordoned off for inspection and starting rebuilding work.&nbsp;

The Navy has said the statue was unveiled on December 4 as part of Navy Day celebrations, held for the first time in Sindhudurg district. The structure was aimed at honouring the legacy of the Maratha Navy and Chhatrapati Shivaji towards maritime defence and security, and its historical linkage with the modern Indian Navy. In a related development, activists of the Sambhaji Brigade, a Maratha outfit, stated a protest outside the house of Jaideep Apte, the sculptor who built the statue, in adjoining Thane city.

Protesters accused Apte of disrespecting Shivaji Maharaj, and their demonstration included blackening his house's door, posting a "Shivdrohi" label, and breaking eggs. The NCP, a constituent of the Mahayuti government, staged state-wide protests demanding swift rebuilding of the statue. Speaking in Nanded during Ajit Pawar's 'Jan Sanman Yatra', NCP's Maharashtra president Sunil Tatkare said the collapse of Shivaji Maharaj's statue was painful, and added his party decided to protest against the incident as everyone has the right to do so.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-what-led-to-the-collapse-of-chhatrapati-shivaji-statue-in-indias-sindhudurg-753625">Here's what led to the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji statue in India's Sindhudurg&nbsp;</a>

"In a democracy, everyone has a right to agitate. The incident in Malvan was unfortunate and painful. We are also agitating against it and demanding strong action against the culprits by submitting memorandums to the authorities," Tatkare maintained. In Pune, the city unit of the NCP staged a protest near a statue of Shivaji Maharaj in Shivajinagar. Speaking during the protest, NCP's city unit president Deepak Mankar urged the state government to reconstruct the statue as early as possible.&nbsp;

"For us, Chhatrpati Shivaji Maharaj is a matter of pride and a symbol of our identity," he said. In Thane, NCP spokesperson Anand Paranjape said those involved in the project, ranging from architects to government officials, must face strict action. "Even though we (NCP) are in power, the incident has caused anger to us and hence this protest," Paranjape said.&nbsp;

In Latur city in central Maharashtra, activists of NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) staged a protest against the statue collapse. Opposition party workers gathered at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk in Latur and held a demonstration against the Shiv Sena-BJP-NCP government.&nbsp;

The protest was led by NCP (SP) Latur district president Sanjay Shete. "This may be the first such instance in Maharashtra's history. In a desperate bid to gain votes before (Lok Sabha) elections, the government completed the statue work within just eight months. This hasty action has backfired on the Mahayuti alliance," Shete opined. Opposition leaders have announced that on September 1, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will take out a protest march in Mumbai against the statue collapse.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Under fire over the collapse of a Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday asserted he would not hesitate to touch the feet of the warrior king 100 times and apologise for the incident if required.

Under fire over the collapse of a Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday asserted he would not hesitate to touch the feet of the warrior king 100 times and apologise for the incident if required. Talking to reporters here, Shinde said the opposition has other issues to do politics on but Shivaji Maharaj, a revered figure in Maharashtra, should be kept out of it. As the collapse of the statue four days ago in Sindhudurg district continued to generate heat, the state government set up a technical committee to find out reasons for the crash, while members of the ruling Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, staged silent protests across Maharashtra over the incident. "Chhatrapati Shivaji is a patron deity of Maharashtra. I am ready to touch his feet 100 times and apologise (for the statue crash). I will not shy away from apologising. Our government functions keeping his (Shivaji's) ideals in mind," Shinde insisted. His remarks come a day after Ajit Pawar apologised to the people of the state for the collapse of the structure which was installed in the coastal district's Malvan tehsil, around 480km from Mumbai. The 35-foot statue of the 17th-century Maratha empire founder installed at Rajkot Fort premises collapsed on August 26, nearly nine months after it was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, triggering a political storm in the state, which is due for polls in the next few months. The state government has pointed out that the project was handled by the Indian Navy. The Navy on Thursday said it conceptualised and steered the project of installing the Shivaji statue in coordination with the state government which provided funding for it. In a statement, the Navy said it remains committed to assisting in all measures to repair, restore and reinstate the statue at the earliest. Also Read | Engineer claims he 'only worked on platform' of collapsed Chhatrapati Shivaji statue in India's Sindhudurg A statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office after Shinde held a late night meeting on Wednesday with ministers, top state and Navy officials said the government has set up a technical committee to probe reasons behind the collapse of the Shivaji Maharaj statue. The panel will comprise engineers, IIT experts and Navy officials. Shinde said two joint panels have been formed. One panel will ascertain the reasons behind the crash, while the other committee comprising experts, sculptors with experience of building Chhatrapati Shivaji statues, engineers and Navy officials will look into the reconstruction aspect. "Our endeavour is to rebuild the statue," the CM maintained. Shinde said the Navy has demanded that the area where the statue was installed by cordoned off for inspection and starting rebuilding work. The Navy has said the statue was unveiled on December 4 as part of Navy Day celebrations, held for the first time in Sindhudurg district. The structure was aimed at honouring the legacy of the Maratha Navy and Chhatrapati Shivaji towards maritime defence and security, and its historical linkage with the modern Indian Navy. In a related development, activists of the Sambhaji Brigade, a Maratha outfit, stated a protest outside the house of Jaideep Apte, the sculptor who built the statue, in adjoining Thane city. Protesters accused Apte of disrespecting Shivaji Maharaj, and their demonstration included blackening his house's door, posting a "Shivdrohi" label, and breaking eggs. The NCP, a constituent of the Mahayuti government, staged state-wide protests demanding swift rebuilding of the statue. Speaking in Nanded during Ajit Pawar's 'Jan Sanman Yatra', NCP's Maharashtra president Sunil Tatkare said the collapse of Shivaji Maharaj's statue was painful, and added his party decided to protest against the incident as everyone has the right to do so. Also Read | Here's what led to the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji statue in India's Sindhudurg "In a democracy, everyone has a right to agitate. The incident in Malvan was unfortunate and painful. We are also agitating against it and demanding strong action against the culprits by submitting memorandums to the authorities," Tatkare maintained. In Pune, the city unit of the NCP staged a protest near a statue of Shivaji Maharaj in Shivajinagar. Speaking during the protest, NCP's city unit president Deepak Mankar urged the state government to reconstruct the statue as early as possible. "For us, Chhatrpati Shivaji Maharaj is a matter of pride and a symbol of our identity," he said. In Thane, NCP spokesperson Anand Paranjape said those involved in the project, ranging from architects to government officials, must face strict action. "Even though we (NCP) are in power, the incident has caused anger to us and hence this protest," Paranjape said. In Latur city in central Maharashtra, activists of NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) staged a protest against the statue collapse. Opposition party workers gathered at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk in Latur and held a demonstration against the Shiv Sena-BJP-NCP government. The protest was led by NCP (SP) Latur district president Sanjay Shete. "This may be the first such instance in Maharashtra's history. In a desperate bid to gain votes before (Lok Sabha) elections, the government completed the statue work within just eight months. This hasty action has backfired on the Mahayuti alliance," Shete opined. Opposition leaders have announced that on September 1, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will take out a protest march in Mumbai against the statue collapse. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Ready to apologise 100 times for Shivaji statue collapse: Maharashtra CM Shinde; ruling NCP holds protests

A statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi around nine months ago in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district, collapsed on Monday. An FIR claims that the nuts and bolts used in constructing the structure had rusted. CM Eknath Shinde has ordered a probe into the incident.

Maharashtra: 35-foot tall Shivaji statue collapses in Sindhudurg district

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 parties&nbsp;slammed the Shiv Sena&nbsp;government — part of the Modi-led BJP-NDA alliance — for paying "little attention to the quality of work".

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:101,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1790}">Opposition blames state government</h2>

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."

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:260,&quot;w&quot;:786,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1949}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-bring-up-plight-of-stranded-indian-migrants-with-brazil-foreign-minister-during-his-visit-753468">India to raise plight of stranded Indian migrants with Brazil foreign minister Mauro Vieira during his visit</a>

"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".

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:394,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2083}">Shivaji statue</h2>

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.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bjps-rameswar-teli-and-mission-ranjan-das-win-rajya-sabha-seats-unopposed-753478">India: BJP's Rameswar Teli and Mission Ranjan Das win Rajya Sabha seats from Assam unopposed</a>

"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)

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).

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 parties slammed the Shiv Sena government — 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." Also read | India to raise plight of stranded Indian migrants with Brazil foreign minister Mauro Vieira during his visit "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. Also read | India: BJP's Rameswar Teli and Mission Ranjan Das win Rajya Sabha seats from Assam unopposed "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)

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