OPINION | Shivaji statue collapse: Modi’s public apology means a lot

The public apology tendered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s 35-feet tall statue in Sindhudurg is, in itself, a significant one, and one should respect it. Addressing a rally in Palghar, Modi said, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is our ‘aaradhya dev’ (revered deity), and I bow my head and apologise to my deity”. This was the Prime Minister’s first remark after the statue, which was unveiled by him on Navy Day (December 4) last year, collapsed due to strong winds. Modi’s apology comes in the wake of opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray and Nana Patole planning to stage protest in Mumbai on Sunday, September 1.