A 35-foot statue of Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rajkot Fort in Malvan, Sindhudurg district, collapsed on Monday. The incident, occurring round 1 PM, has sparked important criticism from opposition events, who’ve blamed the state authorities for negligence and poor high quality of labor. The statue was inaugurated final yr on December 4.
Heavy Rains and Winds Suspected as Contributing Components
In line with native officers, the statue’s collapse could have been influenced by latest extreme climate circumstances. The Sindhudurg district has skilled heavy rainfall and powerful winds over the previous two to a few days. Whereas consultants are anticipated to research and decide the precise explanation for the collapse, weather-related components are presently being thought-about as potential contributors.
Opposition Blames State Authorities For Neglect
Following the incident, opposition leaders have been vocal of their criticism of the state authorities. NCP (SP) state president and former minister Jayant Patil accused the federal government of prioritizing the occasion over the standard of the statue’s building. “The state authorities is accountable for this collapse on account of their lack of correct care. They had been extra centered on organizing an occasion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi than guaranteeing the statue was constructed to final,” Patil said. He additional alleged that the federal government’s strategy to the mission concerned issuing new tenders, accepting commissions, and awarding contracts with out correct oversight.
Equally, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Vaibhav Naik condemned the alleged poor high quality of workmanship. He emphasised the necessity for a radical investigation into these accountable for the development and set up of the statue. “The state authorities could attempt to shirk duty, however these accountable for this mission should be totally investigated,” Naik asserted.
 Authorities’s Response
In response to the criticism, Maharashtra Minister Deepak Kesarkar acknowledged the incident however famous that he didn’t have full particulars on the time. He referenced an announcement by PWD Minister Ravindra Chavan, who can also be the guardian minister of Sindhudurg district, affirming {that a} complete investigation will likely be performed.
Kesarkar additionally assured that the federal government is dedicated to rectifying the scenario. “We’re devoted to erecting a brand new statue on the similar location. This statue, unveiled by PM Modi, honors Shivaji Maharaj’s visionary efforts in setting up a sea fort. We’ll take all crucial measures to handle this concern promptly and successfully,” he mentioned.
