Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued an apology for the collapse of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort in Malvan, Maharashtra. Modi emphasized that Shivaji Maharaj was not just a king but a deity he deeply admires. The apology comes amidst widespread criticism and protests over the statue’s fall. Modi attributed the incident to a lack of political use of historical figures and stressed that his reverence for Shivaji Maharaj is genuine, even bowing to the warrior’s memory while visiting the site. He also criticized the opposition for insulting Veer Savarkar, another revered figure, without apology. The incident has sparked political tension in Maharashtra, with the opposition party organizing protests against the Mahayuti government. The statue, inaugurated by Modi in December 2022, collapsed shortly after its unveiling.