Shivaji statue collapse: PM’s apology means he has accepted mistake, Shinde and Fadnavis must resign, says Cong

Congress chief Nana Patole also said that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis who have hurt Maharashtra’s pride must own up to the responsibility and resign.

Earlier, opposition Congress leaders in Mumbai were detained at their respective offices and residences by the police ahead of PM Modi’s visit to the city. (File Photos)

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday apologised for the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Malvan, which he had inaugurated eight months ago, the state Congress Friday said that since the Prime Minister has accepted the mistake, it is time for the Maharashtra government to take the responsibility and tender resignation.

“The collapse of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is nothing but the collapse of Maharashtra’s pride. Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologised today after taking note of the extreme emotions of the people of the state. His apology means that he has accepted the mistake. But the people of Maharashtra, the followers of Shivaji Maharaj will never accept it,” said state Congress chief Nana Patole.

The Congress leader also said that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis who have hurt Maharashtra’s pride must own up to the responsibility and resign.

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Earlier, opposition Congress leaders in Mumbai were detained at their respective offices and residences by the police ahead of PM Modi’s visit to the city. Youth Congress workers had put up posters in different parts of Mumbai demanding an apology from PM Modi over the collapse of the statue.

“A mere apology won’t be enough. This BJP-led government uses ED and CBI to take action against the opposition members on fake cases. But when it comes its own mistake, it only extends an apology. We want to know what action will be taken against not only the contractors but also against those politicians who damaged the pride of Maharashtra,” said Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad.

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar on Friday visited the statue site promising a detailed inquiry into the incident.

“We have nothing to hide and nothing will remain hidden in a thorough probe. We will ensure that a bigger and grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is erected on the same site,” said Pawar, after visiting Malvan.

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