A 35-foot tall statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year at a fort in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district, collapsed on Monday. This has sparked criticism of the BJP's corrupt governance and disrespect towards the Maratha king. Experts are currently investigating the cause of the collapse, which many locals are attributing to poor construction. The incident has also been seen as a betrayal of the Shivaji Maharaj statue unveiling event, which took place only eight months ago.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue Collapse: Controversy and Criticism
On Monday, August 8, 2023, a 35-foot tall statue of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj collapsed at the Sindhudurg Fort in Maharashtra. The statue was unveiled only eight months ago by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and its collapse has sparked widespread criticism and controversy.
Background
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a renowned 17th-century warrior king known for his military prowess and innovative guerrilla tactics. He founded the Maratha Empire in western India and is revered as a symbol of Maratha pride and identity.
In 2022, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government commissioned the construction of the statue at the Sindhudurg Fort, a historical stronghold of Shivaji Maharaj. The statue was part of a larger project to commemorate the king's legacy.
Collapse and Investigation
On the morning of August 8, the statue mysteriously collapsed, shocking onlookers and sparking widespread outrage. Experts are currently investigating the cause of the collapse, but many locals are attributing it to poor construction.
The collapse has also raised questions about the integrity of the BJP government and its alleged disregard for Maratha heritage. Critics have accused the government of using Shivaji Maharaj's legacy for political gain while neglecting the welfare of Maratha people.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Experts are still investigating the cause of the collapse, but preliminary reports suggest poor construction may be to blame.
The statue was part of a project to commemorate the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and promote Maratha pride.
The government has expressed regret over the collapse and ordered an immediate investigation. However, critics have accused the government of negligence and lack of accountability.
The collapse has been seen as a betrayal of Maratha heritage and a symbol of disrespect for Shivaji Maharaj. It has sparked widespread outrage and could further divide Maratha community along political lines.
The future of the statue is uncertain. It is possible that it will be rebuilt or repaired, or that the site will be converted into a memorial.
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