Shivaji Maharaj Statue Collapse: Rahul Targets PM Modi

The collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue has stirred significant controversy in Maharashtra, with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Gandhi termed the statue’s fall an insult to the revered 17th-century warrior king, further accusing the government of corruption in the statue’s construction.

During an event in Sangli, Gandhi alleged that the contract to construct the 35-foot statue was awarded to an RSS worker. He also criticized PM Modi for apologizing over the incident, hinting at possible corruption. “The statue collapsed just months after it was erected, which is an insult to Shivaji Maharaj,” Gandhi stated.

Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy holds immense significance in Maharashtra, making the incident particularly embarrassing for the ruling government. The statue, inaugurated by PM Modi only nine months ago, has become a flashpoint in the state’s politics.

Gandhi took aim at PM Modi, questioning his apology for the statue’s collapse. “One who does wrong apologizes. If you haven’t done anything wrong, why would you apologize?” he asked. Gandhi suggested that the Prime Minister’s apology hinted at an acknowledgment of wrongdoing, particularly regarding corruption in the construction of the statue.

“The contract was given to an RSS cadre. Maybe he feels he shouldn’t have done that,” Gandhi said, implicating Jaydeep Apte, the contractor responsible for the statue, who is reportedly linked to the ruling party. Both Apte and structural consultant Chetan Patil have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Opposition parties have accused the contractor of having close ties to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s son, further fueling the controversy. “The PM might have thought that the contractor defrauded and looted Maharashtra’s public funds,” Gandhi added, raising questions about the transparency of the statue’s construction process.

Rahul Gandhi was in Maharashtra to unveil a statue of late Congress leader Patangrao Kadam. “I guarantee that Kadam ji’s statue will stand firm even after 50–70 years,” he said, contrasting it with the collapsed Shivaji statue.

Prime Minister Modi recently apologized to Shivaji Maharaj and his followers, acknowledging the hurt caused by the statue’s collapse. Referring to Shivaji Maharaj as his “deity,” PM Modi expressed regret to all those offended by the incident. Maharashtra Police have since arrested Apte, who was allegedly inexperienced in constructing large statues, highlighting negligence in the project.

Rahul Gandhi’s statements have added pressure on the ruling government, demanding accountability and raising concerns about corruption linked to one of Maharashtra’s most revered icons.

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