Political Uproar in Maharashtra Over Chhatrapati Shivaji Statue Collapse

Congress leader Nana Patole has alleged that the sculptor, Jaydeep Apte, responsible for the collapsed statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is linked to the RSS. State cultural affairs minister Sudhir Mungantiwar retorted that Apte is actually close to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Amid the ongoing political turmoil in Maharashtra following the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue at Rajkot fort in Malvan, Congress leader Nana Patole has unleashed fresh allegations. Patole claimed that the sculptor, Jaydeep Apte, is closely associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

In response, state cultural affairs minister Sudhir Mungantiwar offered a sarcastic rebuttal, suggesting that Apte is actually close to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. 'I heard that the artist is, in fact, close to Rahul Gandhi,' Mungantiwar remarked, mocking the allegations.

The controversy erupted after the 35-foot statue, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi nine months ago, crumbled on August 26. The Sindhudurg police have filed an FIR against Apte and structural engineer Chetan Patil concerning the incident.

(With inputs from agencies.)