India unveils world's biggest statue amid protests

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Local groups complain about cost of 182-metre-high tribute to nationalist hero

India has inaugurated the world’s biggest statue with pomp, fireworks and tight security amid an outcry among local groups over the cost of the 182-metre (600ft) high reproduction of an Indian independence hero.

Activists said about a dozen of their leaders had been detained before the prime minister, Narendra Modi, officially unveiled the tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, with an air force jet flyover, helicopters showering flowers on the statue and fireworks in the national colours of green, orange and white.

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from The Guardian https://ift.tt/2JrDBbe

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