Shivaji Maharaj Statue Collapse: Who is to blame?

In a state where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is revered not just as a historical figure but as a symbol of pride and valour, the recent Shivaji Maharaj statue collapse in Maharashtra has sparked widespread reactions across Mumbai. The incident, which has left many stunned, has quickly become a topic of intense discussion among Mumbaikars, reflecting both their deep respect for Shivaji Maharaj and their concerns over the state of public infrastructure.

A symbolic loss

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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 August 26.

For many Mumbaikars, the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is more than just a monument; it represents the legacy of a warrior king who laid the foundation for a strong and independent Maharashtra. The Shivaji Maharaj statue collapse is seen by many as a symbolic loss, one that resonates deeply with their sense of identity and heritage.

"It's not just a statue; it's a symbol of our pride," says Santosh Deshmane, a resident of Dadar. "To see Shivaji Maharaj statue collapse is like seeing a part of our history crumble. It's heartbreaking," he added.

Anger and frustration

The incident has also triggered anger and frustration among citizens, who are questioning the maintenance of such important landmarks. Many Mumbaikars are holding the authorities accountable, demanding answers on how a statue of such significance could be neglected.

"This is a failure of governance," asserts an activist from Andheri. "We talk about honouring Shivaji Maharaj, but what are we doing to protect his legacy? The statue's collapse is a direct result of negligence, and those responsible must be held accountable."

Calls for Action

In the wake of the Shivaji Maharaj statue collapse, there have been growing calls for immediate action to restore the statue and ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future. Social media platforms are buzzing with demands for a thorough investigation into the incident and the implementation of strict measures to preserve historical monuments across the state.

"Restoring the statue is not enough," says Ramesh Salunkhe, a college student from Vile Parle. "We need to ensure that our historical sites are properly maintained and respected. Shivaji Maharaj is a hero to us all, and we owe it to him to protect his legacy."

Political ramifications

The Shivaji Maharaj statue collapse has also taken on a political dimension, with various parties blaming each other for the incident. In a state where the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj is often invoked in political discourse, the incident has provided ammunition for parties to criticise their opponents.

The opposition leaders, who have long championed the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj, have been particularly vocal, calling the incident a disgrace and demanding swift action.

Maharashtra Congress Chief Spokesperson Atul Londhe said, "This is a result of sheer corruption. No one knows how much money has been spent or how much has been used to build the statue. Both the central and state governments share equal responsibility for this disgrace. The statue was hastily constructed merely to gain political advantage during the Lok Sabha elections. They exploited Shivaji Maharaj for their selfish political gains. The statue's collapse was not just a technical failure but an affront to Maharashtra's pride and dignity. The people of Maharashtra are holding the Mahayuti government accountable for this incident."

"The fall of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue symbolises the collapse of Maharashtra's identity, religion, and prestige. Corruption is the root cause, and it has become so rampant that it has eroded Maharashtra to the point where the state itself could collapse at any moment. This incident is a glaring example of that," he added.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant emphasised that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is revered as a god-like figure. He stated that the statue's collapse was a direct blow to the honour and self-respect of the people.

"Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is God-like for us. His statue collapsed and with that, our devotion, honour, and self-respect collapsed and fell there. Despite such disrespect, leaders of political parties supporting it - what else will we do if not condemn them? Uddhav Thackeray has said that is an insult to Maharashtra," he added.

Additionally, MP Sawant remarked that Prime Minister Narendra Modi consistently engages in making political statements.

He added, "Even if they did apologise, consider the timing. Isn't the statement political?"

He further stated, "If he truly felt such sympathy, he would have visited Manipur. The Central Government's policy is to disrespect Maharashtra."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has apologised to the followers of Shivaji Maharaj for the collapse of the statue, which has snowballed into a massive political row months before Maharashtra votes in Assembly polls.

Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has slammed the Opposition and accused them of politicising the issue even after the Prime Minister's apology.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has hit out at the Opposition and said Shivaji cannot be a political issue.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena Secretary and Spokesperson Kiran Pawaskar expressed disappointment regarding the incident.

He noted that although Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had apologised for the incident, the Opposition has engaged in what Pawaskar described as ‘reprehensible' politics.

Pawaskar questioned, "Why did Uddhav Thackeray not demand an apology from Rahul Gandhi for his derogatory remarks about freedom fighter Veer Savarkar? And why did Thackeray not withdraw from the Bharat Jodo Yatra in protest of the insult?"

A collective mourning

Despite the political wrangling, there is a sense of collective mourning among Mumbaikars. The Shivaji Maharaj statue collapse has reminded them of the importance of preserving their history and the figures who shaped it.

For many, the incident is a wake-up call. "We cannot take our heritage for granted," says Priya Sarnaik, a teacher from Khar. "Shivaji Maharaj's legacy is too important to be neglected. This is a lesson for all of us to do better in preserving our history."

The Shivaji Maharaj statue collapse in Maharashtra has touched a raw nerve in Mumbai, a city that holds the warrior king in the highest regard. As Mumbaikars come to terms with the incident, their reactions reflect a deep-seated respect for Shivaji Maharaj and a determination to ensure that his legacy is preserved for future generations. The hope now is that this tragic incident will lead to greater awareness and better care of the state's historical monuments, honouring the memory of one of India's greatest leaders.