Those making tall promises inaugurated Patel's statue: Chavan

Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan said Wednesday that those who make "tall claims and false promises" have inaugurated Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's statue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Statue of Unity, a monument to Patel which is believed to be the world's tallest, in Narmada district of Gujarat Wednesday morning.

"Sardar Patel was one of the tallest leaders of India. He united the country at a time of transition. I pay my homage to him....The tallest statue in the world is being inaugurated by those who make tall claims and false promises," Chavan said at Fardapur in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra.

"The height of the statue should be matched by the depth of their thoughts," said the Congress leader, in a barb aimed at BJP leadership.

Chavan is touring Marathwada region of the state as part of his party's Jan Sangharsh Yatra campaign.

Speaking about Congress' efforts to bring all opposition parties on a common platform, he said the BJP came to power in 2014 with only 30 per cent vote share as rest of the votes got divided.

"We will not allow division of votes again," he said.

There was a break-down of law and order in Maharashtra, the former chief minister alleged, referring to recent seizures of arms and ammunition from alleged members of right-wing organisations.

"Why did they make those bombs? to create Hindu-Muslim divide across India," Chavan said.

"When BJP raises the issue of Ram temple at Ayodhya, you should know that elections are near," he said.

Stating that there is only 27 per cent water left in Jayakwadi Dam which supplies water to Marathwada, while it was full this time last year, Chavan accused the BJP-led state government of mismanagement of water resources.

"They are responsible for the current drought," he said.