Mumbai: The controversy over the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue in Maharashtra has intensified, with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut sharply criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s apology.
Raut dismissed Modi’s apology as a superficial political tactic aimed at defusing the situation, asserting that it could not make up for the “insult” to the revered warrior king. He further demanded apologies for other alleged failures, including the Pulwama attack and the unfulfilled promise of Kashmiri Pandits' return. Raut questioned Modi’s sincerity, suggesting that if he genuinely regretted the incident, he should have apologized for the deaths of 40 soldiers in the Pulwama attack. “This is a political apology, a political moment. They are asking for an apology to escape accountability. Apologizing will not compensate for the insult to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. If the Prime Minister truly felt remorse, he should have apologized for the Pulwama attack years ago,” Raut said.
He also criticized Modi for failing to address ongoing issues in Jammu and Kashmir and the unmet promise of returning Kashmiri Pandits. “You should apologize every day for the lies and failures, but you haven’t. Maharashtra does not forgive when it comes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. You have no choice but to apologize,” Raut added.
The statue, which was unveiled by Modi last December, collapsed due to strong winds. While the incident was initially blamed on natural causes, opposition leaders have alleged corruption and negligence by the BJP-led state government. In response, PM Modi addressed a rally in Maharashtra’s Palghar, expressing his deep reverence for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and offering his apologies. The Navy has pledged to repair the statue, but the incident has heightened political tensions, with a continued war of words between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the BJP.
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