Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithiviraj Chavan criticised Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for his remarks against the Prime Minister on Independence Day, saying it was "most unfortunate".
Chavan said that the Independence Day function where the Prime Minister unfurled the tricolour at Red Fort in Delhi is a national function and has its own significance.
"The Prime Minister unfurls the flag not as an individual. The Prime Minister is an institution and there is a need to show solidarity on the occasion. It seems as if Modi is in hurry to become the Prime Minister. He should first elaborate about his vision for the future and not behave like this," Chavan said.
With his uncalled for remarks, Modi had ridiculed the importance of the Independence Day, he said.
Answering a question, Chavan said smaller states are not feasible and cited examples of Chattisgarh and Jharkhand which are facing problems such as Maoism.
Bigger states like Maharashtra, which is the most prosperous state, are more economically viable and way ahead of Gujarat and other states, he said.
He said the government was committed to develop the Vidarbha region.
