Maharashtra: In Shivaji territory, Rahul attacks Modi over hero’s statue

In an obvious attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Saturday (October 5) that there was no point bowing before Shivaji Maharaj after scaring people and destroying institutions in the country.

Addressing a public meeting before unveiling a statue of Shivaji in Kolhapur, Rahul also alleged that Shivaji’s statue collapsed in Sindhudurg in Maharashtra as the intentions and ideology of those in power were wrong.

Kolhapur, in southern Maharashtra, forms part of the sprawling region which Shivaji ruled.

Rahul targets Modi

"There is no use bowing before Shivaji Maharaj after scaring people and destroying the Constitution and institutions in the country," he said.

Modi had apologised to Shivaji and those hurt by the collapse of his statue during an August 30 visit to Maharashtra.

The 35-foot statue, which crashed on August 26, was unveiled by Modi on December 4, 2023.

Watch: Shivaji statue's collapse: Biggest electoral issue in Maharashtra?

Ideological battle, says Rahul

Rahul said: "There are two ideologies in the country. One protects the Constitution that talks of equality and unity. That is Shivaji Maharaj's ideology. The second ideology is the one that is into destroying the Constitution."

He added, "They attack the institutions of the country, scare and threaten people and then bow before Shivaji's statue. There is no use. If you pray before Shivaji's statue, then you have to protect the Constitution." 

Shivaji was upset, says Rahul

The Congress leader explained why he felt the statue collapsed.

"They built Shivaji Maharaj's statue and it collapsed in a few days. Their intentions were not right. The statue gave them the message that if you built Shivaji Maharaj's statue then you have to follow his ideals. The statue collapsed because their ideology is wrong," he said, referring to the BJP.

"This is the same ideology that Shivaji Maharaj fought against,” he added. “The Congress is fighting the same ideology.”

Also read: Maharashtra: Modi apologises for Shivaji statue’s collapse, says he bows his head

Shivaji stood for brotherhood

Rahul underlined that Shivaji's message to the world was that the country belongs to everyone. The Constitution is a symbol of his ideals, he said.

"If people like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and social reformer Shahu Maharaj were not there, the Constitution also would not have existed," he said.

Upon his arrival in Kolhapur on Saturday morning, Rahul was welcomed by Maharashtra Congress leaders, including the party's state unit chief Nana Patole.