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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Maharashtra on Friday was marked by a mix of political statements and infrastructure announcements, dominated by the recent collapse of a Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue. Addressing a crowd of over 35,000 in Palghar, Modi expressed deep regret for the incident, stating that the Maratha king is revered as a 'deity' and that he bowed his head in apology. The 35-foot statue, unveiled by Modi on Navy Day in December 2023, had collapsed earlier this week, prompting criticism from opposition parties.
The incident provided a platform for Modi to launch a scathing attack on the opposition, accusing them of continuously insulting Veer Savarkar, a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement. Modi contrasted his reverence for the 'deity' of Shivaji Maharaj with the opposition's alleged disrespect for Savarkar, highlighting the perceived difference in their values. He emphasized that for him, ‘nothing is bigger than our deity’. This statement further fueled the ongoing political debate surrounding Savarkar's legacy, a topic that often sparks controversy and divides public opinion in India.
Beyond the political rhetoric, Modi also made a significant infrastructure announcement, laying the foundation stone for the Rs 76,000 crore Vadhvan port in Dahanu. This deep-water port is projected to become India's largest, underscoring the government's focus on infrastructure development. The announcement was accompanied by a request from Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for further land reclamation near the port, aimed at establishing a third airport to serve the city. This highlights the potential economic benefits the port is expected to bring to the region and underscores the government's efforts to boost infrastructure and economic growth.
Source: 'I apologise to Shivaji': PM Modi on Shivaji statue collapse