The Maharashtra government has swiftly responded to the outcry over the unexpected collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in the historic Rajkot Fort, announcing the formation of a high-level technical committee to thoroughly investigate the incident.
The Chief Minister convened an emergency meeting with key ministers, senior officials, and Indian Navy officers late Wednesday night to address the situation.
The meeting culminated in the decision to establish a joint technical committee, consisting of leading civil engineers, experts from prestigious institutions like IITs, renowned sculptors, and representatives from the Indian Navy, tasked with determining the cause of the statue’s collapse.
This statue, inaugurated with much fanfare by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2023, symbolized the valour and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Its sudden downfall has ignited protests and sparked widespread concerns among the public and political factions alike.
CM Shinde Vows Stronger Statue After Statue Collapse; Calls For Expert Redesign
In a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s office, CM Eknath Shinde emphasized the gravity of the incident, acknowledging the deep emotions of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s followers.
He however instructed the Public Works Department to collaborate with top sculptors, civil engineers, and Navy officers to not only investigate the collapse but also to plan for the creation of a new statue that truly embodies the greatness of Shivaji Maharaj.
The new design, proposed by experts from JJ School of Arts, IIT, and the Navy, will aim to be both grander and more robust, ensuring such a mishap never recurs.
“The incident is unfortunate and the feelings of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj devotees are quite intense, stated CM Shinde.
He further cautioned, “We should be very careful so that such an accident never happens again in the future.’”
He reassured the public that the state government would provide all necessary resources to erect a statue that befits the legendary status of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The statue’s collapse has also sparked a political fracas between the ruling MahaYuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
MVA leaders have accused the government of negligence and corruption, suggesting that the statue’s fall was a result of hasty decisions.
The MahaYuti, however, has refuted these claims, attributing the collapse to strong winds reaching speeds of 45 kmph, and emphasizing that the statue was constructed by the Indian Navy, not the state government.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged all parties to refrain from politicizing the issue, but the MVA remains resolute, planning a significant protest at Hutatma Chowk on Sunday.
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