The State government’s plans to establish the world’s largest statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Langer Houz is being opposed by family members of the Father of the Nation.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy had announced that plans were being drawn up to develop the Bapu Ghat at Langer Houz into a global centre of Gandhian ideology. Already, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi exists at the venue but the State government is now planning to establish the world’s largest statue of the Mahatma here. This is being modeled on the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel statue on the River Narmada in Gujarat.
However, this move has not gone well with the Mahatma’s family members. Tushar Gandhi, great grandson of Gandhi, said he was very much against this competition of statues. He suggested that the Chief Minister instead use the funds in healthcare and education sector.
“I am very much against this competition of Statues. My sincere appeal to Chief Minister
Revanth Reddy ji please use the funds to establish health care and education initiatives in the State instead of a tall statue of Bapu…” Tushar Gandhi said on X.
His suggestions to the Chief Minister were supported by many people.
Varun Verma, an X user said “Agreed. We have enough statues. What we need is better roads, hospitals, infrastructure, bridges, schools, colleges etc. Although, we need more politicians to emulate and follow the principles of Bapu…”
Another X user Sai Ram said “This is so funny. I don’t know if Tushar Gandhi is a politically aware person or knows what happens behind the political doors, but such statue erections are just ways to mint money for politicians. This goes beyond party lines. Invoice raised, kickbacks received, high quality raw material invoiced, poorest quality raw materials used.. not a new story. And, this is why, they would not fund schools / hospitals but would fund statues…”