Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday visited the Statue of Unity near Sardar Sarovar Dam in Narmada district of Gujarat. Adityanath, who was accompanied by Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, hailed the deeds of Sardar Patel during his visit.

Adityanath is the first CM from another state to visit the statue after it was dedicated to the nation on Wednesday by PM Narendra Modi. The CM of Gujarat had gone to Lucknow specially to invite Adityanath to visit the statue.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani welcomed Adityanath and accompanied him during his visit, briefing him about the statue and adjoining attractions, which include the Valley of Flowers, Tent City, Sardar Museum and Wall of Unity.

Adityanath paid tribute to the statue of Sardar Patel and said that this tallest statue of Sardar has become the global identity of the nation.

Talking to media persons in a press conference post his visit, the UP CM further said, "This, the world's tallest statue of Sardar Patel, is a befitting tribute to the true 'Sardar' of this country. Sardar Patel united 562 princely states of India and that was a mammoth task. This contribution of Sardar will inspire future generations for ages and will ignite novel consciousness in the nation."

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opened the doors to the path of development by providing water for irrigation to farmers, which was once imagined by Sardar Patel. This statue has opened up opportunities for guides by developing it as a tourist spot," he added. On the occasion, Narmada Nigam CMD S S Rathore, Narmada Nigam Joint Administrative Manager Sandip Kumar, District Collector S R Ninama, the district development officer, deputy forest conservator, chief engineer of Nigam and other officials were present.

President Ram Nath Kovind is also expected to visit the Statue of Unity on December 15, said sources in the Gujarat government.

TO SIR, WITH LOVE

• CM Vijay Rupani welcomed Adityanath briefed him about the Statue about Valley of Flowers, Tent City, Sardar Museum, Wall of Unity.   
• Adityanath paid tribute to the statue of Sardar Patel and said that this tallest statue of Sardar has become the global identity of the nation.