Statue Collapse Sparks Political Controversy in Maharashtra

The collapse of a 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra has ignited protests and political controversy, particularly as elections approach. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who inaugurated the statue in December 2023, has publicly apologized, acknowledging the hurt feelings of Shivaji's worshippers. Opposition parties, including the Shiv Sena and National Congress Party, are leveraging the incident to criticize the ruling BJP-led coalition, with demands for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's resignation due to alleged corruption in the statue's construction. State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule accused the opposition of exploiting the tragedy for political gain, referencing a recent survey suggesting significant electoral losses for the BJP. Protests led by opposition leaders have linked the statue's collapse to broader issues of governance and accountability. As the political landscape heats up, this incident has become a central electoral issue ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.