WATCH: PM Modi Apologizes For Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue Collapse In Maharashtra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, expressed deep regret over the collapse of a 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Sindhudurg’s Rajkot Fort, a structure he had unveiled just eight months ago.

Calling the revered 17th-century warrior king his “deity,” PM Modi issued a heartfelt apology during an event in Palghar, acknowledging the embarrassment the incident caused to the ruling Mahayuti government, especially with Assembly elections approaching.

“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a name or a king. For us, he is our deity. Today, I bow my head at his feet and apologise to my deity,” PM Modi said, addressing the gathering. The apology comes in response to the outrage in Maharashtra, where Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy is held in deep reverence.

The Prime Minister emphasized his respect for the Maratha king, stating, “Our values are different. For us, nothing is bigger than our deity… The moment I landed here, I first apologised to Shivaji Maharaj over the statue collapse. I also apologise to the people who were hurt by the collapse.”

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, addressing the incident earlier, attributed the statue’s collapse to strong winds and reiterated his own respect for Shivaji Maharaj. “If needed, I will not hesitate to touch the feet of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj 100 times and apologise,” Shinde declared.

The statue, a tribute to the founder of the Maratha Empire, was erected at Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg, an area recently affected by heavy rainfall and gusty winds.

In the same event, PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for the Vadhvan Port, a major project with an estimated cost of around Rs 76,000 crores.