Bengaluru, October 16: Gujarat government Energy Minister Saurabh Patel said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would unveil the Unity Statue of former deputy prime minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the highest statue in the world, constructed near Sardar Sarovar dam in Gujarat, on October 31.

Speaking to reporters at a private hotel here on Tuesday, Patel said that October 31 is the birthday of Sardar Patel. So, on the same day, the government has planned to unveil the 182 metre height Unity Statue, he said.

The people of the country have donated 5,000 metric ton iron and steel and it was constructed in 48 months investing Rs 2,332 crore. Under this statue, 73 ft height museum was constructed in which, valuables related to Sardar Patel, his life and works and photos were kept, he said.

Due to shortage of bronze in the country, the contractor had decided to import it from China and the Gujarat government had no role in it, he clarified.

Governor Vajubhai Vala and Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy were invited for the unveiling programme. He would also invite the people of Karnataka to participate in the programme. People could visit Gujarat after November 1, he said.

When asked about the conflict on Bihar-based labourers in Gujarat, Saurabh Patel said that it was a political conspiracy. Some people have hatched out a conspiracy. People from different states of the country were living in Gujarat and have been contributing for the development of this state. Those who have left Gujarat in the conflict would return shortly, he exuded confidence.

The situation was under control in Gujarat and proper security was provided to Biharis. There was no problem for their daily activities. Legal action would be taken against those who are responsible for this conflict, he said.

Gujarat Minister Jayadrat Singh Parmar, MLAs Shailesh, Bharat Bhai Patel, Bhikhabhai Bharat, Madhu Srivatsav, Health Department Secretary Jayanti Ravi, Forest Corporation Joint Managing Director B.K. Sugur were present at the press conference.

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Melbourne (PTI): Three Indian students were among 40 people injured in the terrorist attack on Sydney's Bondi Beach in Australia, according to a media report on Tuesday.

Two out of these three students are believed to be receiving treatment in the hospital, The Australia Today news portal reported. 

The names of the Indian students injured during Sunday's attack have not been disclosed yet.

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The Indian students sustained injuries during the shooting, and their exact condition has not been formally confirmed yet, it said. 

Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, 50, opened fire on a gathering during the Jewish festival Hanukkah by the Sea celebration.

At least 15 people were killed in the attack, including a 10-year-old child. Five of the injured remain in critical condition, while two injured police officers are in serious but stable condition, it added.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the investigation is expanding as new information emerges, including international travel by the alleged attackers and the discovery of extremist material, the report said.