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.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Kolkata (PTI): BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's personal assistant Chandranath Rath was shot at from close range by unidentified assailants in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday night, sources said.

The incident took place in the Madhyamgram area, where the victim, who serves as the executive assistant to the leader of opposition in the state assembly, was allegedly targeted on a public road, they said.

Rath sustained multiple bullet injuries in the firing and was rushed to a private hospital, sources added.

Soon after the incident, a large police contingent reached the spot and launched an investigation.

The motive behind the attack was not immediately known.

Senior police officers were present in the area, and efforts were on to identify and trace those involved in the shooting, sources said.