'Bow my head in apology': PM Modi on Shivaji statue collapse in Maharashtra

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday apologised for the collapse of Shivaji Maharaj statue in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg.
"Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a name for me, for us Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is our idol. Whatever happened in Sindhudurg a few days ago...today I bow and place my head at the feet of my beloved god Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and apologise," PM Modi said while addressing a rally in Maharasthra's Palghar.

A statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, unveiled around nine months ago on December 4 last year by PM Modi on the occasion of Navy Day at Rajkot Fort at Malvan in Sindhudurg district, collapsed on Monday.
CM Eknath Shinde described the incident as "unfortunate" and promised to reinstall it, saying that "due to strong winds of around 45 kmph", the statue "erected by the Navy...fell and got damaged".

The fall of the statue triggered a massive political firestorm in the state as opposition slammed the state government, alleging it had paid little attention to the quality of work.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray criticised the ruling BJP government, expressing disbelief that even the revered figure's monument could fall victim to alleged corruption within the BJP's ranks.
"It is unimaginable that the statue of our deity, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj would also be a subject of the BJP's corruption," Thackeray stated in his post.
The opposition leader further accused the BJP of attempting to shift the blame onto the Indian Navy.

He pointed out a pattern of favouritism towards certain contractors, subpar quality of work, and inaugurations timed to coincide with elections rather than genuine sentiment.
On the incident, Sindhudurg guardian minister Ravindra Chavan, who holds the PWD portfolio, said, "A case has been filed against the proprietor of the firm M/s Artistry, Jaydeep Apte, and structural consultant Chetan Patil (both involved in statue work) in Sindhudurg."
Chavan said, "The steel used in making of the statue had started rusting. The PWD had already written to the Navy informing them of the statue catching rust and requested them to take appropriate steps."
The Navy also said it has deputed a team to repair and restore the statue at the earliest.