Rahul Gandhi Urges PM Modi To Apologize Over Shivaji Maharaj Statue Collapse

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the BJP at a public rally in Sangli, Maharashtra, accusing the ruling party of favouring only a select few and neglecting broader social progress.

"Congress' ideology is in the DNA of Maharashtra. Earlier, there used to be politics, but today there is an ideological fight in India. We want social progress but they (BJP) want that only a select few to get all benefits," he stated.

Gandhi also addressed the recent collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in the Sindhudurg district. He demanded an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this incident, calling it an insult to both Shivaji Maharaj and the people of Maharashtra.

"I give you a guarantee that Kadam ji's (late Congress minister Patangrao Kadam) statue installed will be here even after 50-70 years....Shivaji Maharaj's statue was installed but only a few days later the statue fell. This is an insult to Shivaji Maharaj. The PM should apologise not just to Shivaji Maharaj but also to every person of Maharashtra," he said.

BJP Accused of Spreading Hatred

Rahul Gandhi further accused the BJP of spreading hatred across India, claiming this has been their long-standing practice. "BJP is spreading hatred in every corner of the country. This is not a new thing, they have been doing this for centuries. This battle of ideology is an old one. Today this fight is between BJP and Congress. Earlier this fight was fought by Shivaji Maharaj and Phule ji. If you read Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shahuji Maharaj, Phuleji, Ambedkarji, then you will know that the ideology of all of them and the ideology of Congress is the same," he added.

Earlier on Thursday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi unveiled a statue of late Congress leader Patangrao Kadam in Sangli district. This event highlighted Congress' commitment to honouring its leaders and their contributions.

Caste Census Commitment

Reiterating his party's stance on caste census, Gandhi promised that if elected, Congress would implement it along with their alliance partners in the INDIA bloc. "I have said on the floor of Lok Sabha that Congress will get caste census done. Our alliance will get it done," he assured.

The 35-foot-tall statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had collapsed on August 26 in Sindhudurg district. It was initially unveiled on December 4 last year during Navy Day celebrations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Rahul Gandhi's remarks reflect ongoing political tensions and ideological battles between Congress and BJP in India. His speech aimed to rally support by emphasising Congress' historical roots and commitment to social justice.