Shivaji Maharaj Statue Collapse: Fadnavis Says 'Will Build Bigger Structure', Oppn Demands Shinde's Resignation

Maharashtra deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis said that the government will replace the Navy-made statue of Shivaji Maharaj with a bigger one at the same site after its collapse sparked a major row.

Maharashtra deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis said that the government will replace the Navy-made statue of Shivaji Maharaj with a bigger one at the same site after its collapse sparked a major row.

Source : PTI

Shivaji Maharaj Statue Collapse: As the collapse of statue of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra sparked a major controversy ahead of the assembly polls, deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on Tuesday that it was not the state government that oversaw its construction but the Indian Navy. Fadnavis also vowed to build a bigger statue than the previous one that collapsed on Monday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Indian Navy confirmed that the statue was built by it and that an investigation into the matter was underway.

The 35-foot statue of the revered Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rajkot fort on Sindhudurg on the Navy Day in December, 2023. Its collapse sparked a political storm with opposition demanding CM Eknath Shinde's resignation. Following the criticism from the opposition, Fadnavis assured a bigger replacement of the structure saying, "It is our resolve to build a bigger statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the same site."

"The construction of the statue was not overseen by the state government but by the Navy. The individuals responsible for the fabrication and installation of the statue might have overlooked important local factors such as high wind speed and the quality of the iron used. The statue might have become more prone to rust due to its exposure to ocean winds," Fadnavis said, as reported by news agency PTI.

The senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader also questioned whether the makers of the statue had comprehended all these factors before installing it. Informing that an inquiry into the matter was already underway, Fadnavis also slammed the opposition for politicising the incident. "The collapse of the statue is painful, but the opposition parties' stand on it is distasteful. There is no need to politicise the issue as it would be seen as shallow," he said.

What The Navy Said About Collapse Of Shivaji Maharaj's Statue

The Indian Navy confirmed that the construction and installation of the 35-feet statue was carried out by it.  It also said that a team had been deployed to investigate the reason behind the collapse at the earliest.

A statement issued by the Navy's spokesperson in New Delhi noted: "The Navy said it has noted with deep concern the damage caused to the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that was unveiled on Navy Day as a dedication to the citizens of Sindhudurg. Along with the state government and concerned specialists, the Navy has deputed a team to immediately investigate the cause of this unfortunate accident and initiate steps to repair, restore and reinstate the statue at the earliest".

Maha PWD Informed Navy About Rust On Statue Before Collapse

Maharashtra's Public Works Department had flagged concerns over the rusting statue days before its collapse in a letter to Naval commander Abhisgek Karbhari, Area Coastal Security Officer and Area Civil-Military Liaison Officer, on August 20.

A PWD assistant engineer in Malvan taluka of Sindhudurg district highlighted in a letter that parts of the statue were accumulating rust, which was looking unpleasant. "You have installed a statue of Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot fort. The statue's artist, Jaydeep Apte, undertook some repair works in June. The exposure to the ocean winds and rains has resulted in the nuts and bolts—used for fixing the statue on the fort—catching the rust. The whole statue now looks highly unpleasant," he stated in the letter, PTI reported.

He also stated that the local residents and tourists had expressed disappointment over the statue's appearance and requested the Navy to undertake "permanent measures by communicating with the artist of the statue".

What CM Shinde Said

Following the incident, CM Eknath Shinde had said that the statue collapsed as the wind was blowing at the speed of 45 km per hour in the region. Referring to this claim, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said that winds along the coast are bound to be gusty. He even alleged a scam in the statue's construction. 

"We need the resignation of the chief minister for hurting the feelings of (the people of) Maharashtra. Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Ravindra Chavan should be sacked. They did not even spare Shivaji Maharaj and indulged in corruption," the Sena (UBT) MP said.  

A case was also registered by the Sindhudurg police against contractor Jaydeep Apte and structural consultant Chetan Patil who were involved in the statue's construction project. The charges against them include sections under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to culpable homicide, endangering life or personal safety, attempt to murder, and cheating. They were also charged under Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act for mischief causing damage to public property.

In another development, an FIR was filed on Tuesday against Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Vaibhav Naik and his supporters for vandalising the PWD office in Malvan on Monday evening.