Leaders from other states to visit later, state govt to hold special celebrations
While the nation will witness an extravagant inauguration ceremony for the world's tallest statue of Sardar Patel in Gujarat's Narmada district, what comes as a surprise is that no leaders from outside Gujarat would be present for the ceremony. Leaders from other states are scheduled to visit the statue later, in the following months.
The 182-meter-tall Statue of Unity will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday and aside from the PM, BJP chief Amit Shah, Madhya Pradesh governor Anandiben Patel and Karnataka governor Vajubhai Vala, only other leaders from the state government would be present at the event.
Deputy CM Nitin Patel had made it clear that other leaders would visit the statue later during November and December as per their convenience.
A very senior official from the Gujarat government said, "Earlier, it had been considered that all dignitaries would come for the inaugural event. However, later, it was decided that the visits of leaders including the president and from other state governments would be rescheduled. The state government has been preparing to host a grand welcome ceremony when the other leaders visit the statue."
"The PMO had planned this move to reap political brownie points as the leaders visiting the statue would be given tremendous publicity in their concerned states too. This would give a great impetus to the BJP ahead of Lok Sabha polls in their states, as it will be connected with the PM's initiative. These visits will continue until January or February next year, before the Lok Sabha general polls," the official added.
The Gujarat government will felicitate those leaders and will also perform foundation stone laying ceremonies for the buildings of memorial-cum-guest houses dedicated to different states.
"This will give a message to communities in other states that the PM took special care for them as they would get facilities when they visit the statue. Moreover, four states are going for assembly polls so the leaders from those states would not be able to attend the inauguration ceremony. It would be convenient for them to pay a visit later, after polls are over," the officer added.
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