Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday apologised to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and those immensely hurt by the collapse of the Shivaji statue in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra.
"Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a name or a king. For us, he is our deity...I bow my head at his feet and apologise to my deity," said Modi.
Modi laid the foundation stone of the 76,000-crore Vadhvan Port project in Maharashtra's Palghar district on Friday. While addressing the gathering, Modi hit out at the opposition saying, “Some people keep abusing Veer Savarkar but are not ready to apologise for insulting him.”
#WATCH | Palghar, Maharashtra: PM Narendra Modi speaks on the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue collapse incident in Malvan
— ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2024
He says, "Those who consider Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as their deity and have been deeply hurt, I bow my head and apologise to them. Our values are… pic.twitter.com/oLaDLDaWbI
The Shivaji statue was unveiled by PM Modi in December last year during the Navy Day celebrations in Sindhudurg. The statue was aimed at honouring the warrior king's legacy towards maritime defence.
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After the collapse, a joint technical committee headed by the Navy was formed to investigate the reason for the collapse. The state representative officials and technical experts are also included in the committee.
"A developed Maharashtra is important for a developed India...Therefore, over the past 10 years, major decisions have focused on Maharashtra's progress. To ensure that the state and the entire country reap benefits of Maharashtra's capacities, the foundation stone for Vadhvan Port has been laid today," said Modi.
#WATCH | Palghar, Maharashtra: PM Narendra Modi says, "In the last one decade, development on India's coast has gained unprecedented pace, we have modernised ports, developed waterways... lakhs and crores of rupees have been invested in this direction. Private investment has also… pic.twitter.com/4YnHozPrKh
— ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2024
The statue collapsed at the coastal Rajkot fort in Malvan tehsil of Sindhudurg district. The collapse of the statue triggered a political blame game with the opposition hitting out at the government for 'insulting' Shivaji Maharaj.
Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar on Friday visited the site and vowed to erect a grand new statute at the same place again.
Modi on Friday also laid the foundation stone of 218 fisheries projects of Rs 1,560 crore.
The Vadhvan Port- India’s largest deep-water port
The Vadhvan Port is set to boost the country’s trade and economic growth by catering to large container vessels, and ultra-large cargo ships. It also offers deeper drafts. The port, located near Dahanu town in Palghar district, will provide direct connectivity to international shipping routes, reducing transit times and costs.
The port is also expected to generate employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses and contribute to the overall economic development of the region. The port will enhance India's maritime connectivity and further strengthen its position as a global trade hub.
The project also accommodates sustainable development practices in order to minimise environmental impact and adhere to stringent ecological standards.
The vessel communication and support system is developed by ISRO. The system will help in establishing two-way communication while fishermen are at sea and also help in rescue operations as well as ensure their safety.
