PM Modi Apologizes for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue Incident: ‘He Is Our Deity’
PM Modi Apologizes for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue Incident: 'He Is Our Deity'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered a heartfelt apology on Friday following the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Sindhudurg on August 26. Speaking at an event in Palghar, Maharashtra, Modi acknowledged the deep hurt felt by those who revere Shivaji Maharaj as a deity. “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a name for us. I bow my head and apologize to my god Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” Modi stated, expressing his regret over the incident.
#WATCH | Palghar, Maharashtra: PM Narendra Modi speaks on the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue collapse incident in Malvan
— ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2024
He says, "Those who consider Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as their deity and have been deeply hurt, I bow my head and apologise to them. Our values are… pic.twitter.com/oLaDLDaWbI
The Prime Minister’s apology came after sustained criticism from the Opposition’s Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, as well as discontent within the ruling alliance itself. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and members of his Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) expressed their disappointment with the statue’s collapse. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, addressing the issue, also expressed his willingness to apologize repeatedly if necessary, emphasizing his reverence for the Maratha king.
The 35-foot statue, which had been unveiled by Modi last year at Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg, collapsed due to strong winds amid heavy rainfall. The incident sparked widespread dismay across Maharashtra.
During his speech, Modi also criticized the Congress and other Opposition parties for their frequent attacks on freedom fighter Veer Savarkar, highlighting a contrast in values. “We are not the ones who insult the great son of Mother India, Veer Savarkar,” he remarked.
In addition to addressing the statue collapse, Modi laid the foundation stone for the Vadhvan Port in Palghar, a project valued at approximately Rs 76,000 crores. He emphasized that Vadhvan Port would become the world’s deepest port and a significant contributor to India’s maritime infrastructure. The project is expected to generate 12 lakh employment opportunities, further boosting Maharashtra’s economy.
Modi also used the occasion to urge Maharashtra’s voters not to support those who oppose the state’s progress. He reiterated his government’s commitment to the development of Maharashtra, announcing the approval of Dighi Port as another step forward for the state.
Additionally, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 218 fisheries projects worth around Rs 1,560 crores, underscoring his government’s focus on the welfare of the fishing community.
