Gujarat invites other states to construct ‘state houses’ near Sardar Patel statue

Sardar Vallabhbhai Pattel statue (Photo Courtesy: Indian Express)

Vijay Rupani, Chief Minister Gujarat has invited all other states of the country to construct ‘state houses’ at Kevadia Colony, where the 182 meters tall Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel statue, probably world’s tallest statue, is under construction.

Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL) officials said land has been assigned about land along with the statue for the states to construct guesthouses and canteens same as the different state bhavans in New Delhi.

As per the J N Singh, Gujarat State Secretary, letters from the Chief Minister were sent to all states last week inviting to construct state houses near the statue and Uttar Pradesh and Nagaland have already accepted the proposal.

About 90 km southwest of Vadodara, a tent city has been set up in Kevadia, which will be a permanent feature for tourists. It is expected that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the tent city on October 31, which is Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary.

Photo courtesy: Indian Express

The state government has grand plans for the inauguration of the Statue, named as the Statue of Unity and to promote Kevadia a tourist destination. As per sources the Prime Minister will invite the other state governments to open guest houses in the premises of the statue, to promote tourism.

“The idea is to increase tourism (to Kevadia) and encourage people to visit the world’s tallest statue. The presence of ‘state bhavans’ will motivate budget travellers to visit Narmada. The state canteens are very popular in Delhi for regional cuisines but many of them do not serve outsiders. The presence of these bhavans in Kevadia will be an added attraction for food-lovers,” said an official.

“They will be united, in one compound and without boundary walls in between. We are prepared to welcome about 25 states. They can have about 15 rooms each. We can also construct one structure with portions allotted to different states on the lines of Shrestha Bharat Bhavan, depending on how many states express interest,” said J N Sing, Gujarat Chief Secretary

Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel, popularly known as Sardar Patel, was the first Deputy Prime Minister of India and one of the chief disciples of Mahatma Gandhi. He was an Indian barrister and statesman, a senior leader of the Indian National Congress and a founding father of the Republic of India who played a leading role in the country’s struggle for independence.