The collapse of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj erected at Rajkot Fort in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district has led to a political row in the state. Education minister Deepak Kesarkar, who hails from Sindhudurg, commented that while the incident was sad, “good things will come out of it” as the government plans to install a larger statue at the same site.
The remarks have drawn criticism from Opposition parties. Leaders from the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, which was previously in power, have demanded Kesarkar's removal from the cabinet. Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena claims the remarks expose the government's “bad intentions” and reflect their desire to make money by replacing structures.
Other MVA members like Atul Londe and Aditya Thackeray have pointed fingers at the Mahayuti government's “shoddy functioning” and alleged the statue was hastily inaugurated before elections for political gains. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis maintains the statue was built and managed by the Indian Navy, so its collapse should not be politicized.
The 35-foot statue unveiled last year by the PM collapsed on Monday, sparking a debate over who should take responsibility. While investigation is underway, political mudslinging continues over the incident seen as an insult to the Maratha king revered across Maharashtra. As allegations fly between rival alliances, the people await answers on what led to the statue crumbling so soon after inauguration.
