A major political storm erupted in Maharashtra as a newly installed 35-foot statue of the revered Maratha king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, collapsed in Sindhudurg district, just weeks after its grand inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The statue, part of a broader project aimed at honoring the legendary warrior, had been a point of pride for the state government. However, the sudden collapse of the massive structure has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition, who are blaming the administration for negligence and substandard work.
The statue, which was unveiled amid much fanfare, stood as a tribute to Shivaji Maharaj, a symbol of Maratha valor, and Maharashtra’s rich cultural legacy. It was erected on a specially designed pedestal near the coastal town of Malvan in Sindhudurg, an area historically associated with the Maratha empire. The project, hailed by the ruling party as an emblem of Maharashtra’s pride and heritage, has now become a cause of embarrassment and outrage.
The Collapse and Immediate Response
The incident reportedly occurred late at night when a section of the pedestal supporting the statue gave way, causing the massive structure to topple. No injuries were reported, as the area was unoccupied at the time, but the collapse of such a significant monument shocked local residents and sent political ripples across the state.
Videos and images of the fallen statue quickly went viral on social media, with many expressing their dismay and anger over the incident. In response, authorities swiftly cordoned off the area and began an investigation to determine the cause of the collapse. Local officials hinted at possible structural flaws or issues with the material used during the construction. However, details regarding the exact cause remain unclear, pending a formal inquiry.
The state government has promised a thorough investigation, with initial reports suggesting that the construction company responsible for building the statue may have cut corners, leading to the failure of the pedestal. Experts have been brought in to assess the damage, and officials have assured the public that the statue will be reinstalled once necessary repairs are made.
Opposition Outrage
The collapse of the statue has provided the opposition with fresh ammunition to attack the ruling government. Opposition leaders from the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have wasted no time in criticizing the state administration for what they term as a “monumental failure.” Many have accused the government of rushing through the construction without ensuring proper quality standards, merely to gain political mileage by having the Prime Minister inaugurate the statue.
Senior Congress leader Nana Patole called the incident a “symbol of the state government’s incompetence,” while NCP leader Ajit Pawar slammed the ruling dispensation for playing with the emotions of the people of Maharashtra. “Shivaji Maharaj is not just a historical figure; he is an icon who represents the identity and pride of Maharashtra. This government has insulted his legacy by failing to ensure the safety and stability of this monument,” Pawar said in a press conference.
The opposition has also demanded that the Chief Minister and other responsible ministers step down, alleging that they allowed contractors to proceed with shoddy construction practices, compromising the safety of the statue.
Political Fallout and Public Sentiment
The collapse of the statue comes at a particularly sensitive time for the Maharashtra government, which has been under scrutiny for several other issues, including the handling of infrastructure projects. Public sentiment surrounding the collapse has been overwhelmingly negative, with many expressing disappointment over the state’s inability to maintain such an important symbol of pride.
While the Shivaji Maharaj statue was a project that had been widely praised during its planning and construction phases, its collapse is now being seen as a metaphor for what critics claim is the state’s declining governance standards. Several local groups and citizens have expressed their discontent, with some even organizing protests demanding accountability from the authorities.
Government Defense
In defense, the state government has promised strict action against those found responsible for the collapse. The Chief Minister, in a statement, said, “We are deeply saddened by the collapse of the statue of our beloved Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. An immediate investigation has been ordered, and those responsible for this will not be spared. The statue will be restored to its full glory at the earliest.”
Officials also urged the public not to politicize the issue, emphasizing that an engineering failure, not political negligence, was to blame.
The collapse of the 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has triggered a political firestorm in Maharashtra, with the opposition seizing the opportunity to accuse the ruling government of negligence and poor governance. The government, however, has vowed to hold those responsible accountable and to restore the statue. In the meantime, the incident remains a glaring reminder of the importance of quality and accountability in public infrastructure projects, especially those that carry immense cultural and emotional significance.