PM Modi Apologizes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for Statue Collapse: A Symbolic Gesture or Political Move?
Addressing the foundation stone laying event of the Vadhvan Port project in Palghar district, Maharashtra:
"Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a name or a king. For us, he is our deity. Today, I bow my head at his feet and apologize to my deity."
In an unexpected turn of events, Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologized to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the revered Maratha warrior king, for the collapse of his 35-foot-tall statue at Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra.
The prime minister also attacked opposition leaders for insulting and attacking freedom fighter and Hindutva ideology Veer Savarkar and his ideology on various occasions. “Our values are different. For us, nothing is bigger than our deity. Some people keep abusing Veer Savarkar but are not ready to apologize for insulting him, they are ready to go to the courts and fight," he said.
But many people are not satisfied with Modi's statment.
The statue's collapse earlier this week sparked widespread outrage and disappointment among Shivaji Maharaj's devotees and Maharashtra residents. The incident raised questions about the quality of construction and maintenance of the monument.
PM Modi's apology has sparked debate:
- *Symbolic Gesture*: Some see this as a sincere acknowledgment of the statue's cultural significance and a demonstration of respect for Shivaji Maharaj's legacy.
- *Political Move*: Others view it as a strategic move to appease Maharashtra's Maratha community and bolster the BJP's regional support.
