Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant’s legacy of unifying Uttar Pradesh and strengthening national security endures: CM Yogi

Lucknow : On Tuesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid glowing tribute to Bharat Ratna Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant, the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and former Home Minister of India, by garlanding his statue on the occasion of his 137th birth anniversary. He stated that Pant’s contributions to the unified Uttar Pradesh and the nation’s internal security will always be remembered.

“On behalf of the state government and its people, I humbly pay tribute on this auspicious occasion, saluting the memories of such a great son of India, who laid the foundation for development in Uttar Pradesh,” said the Chief Minister.

After garlanding the statue of Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked on Pant’s highly successful tenure as the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and later as Union Home Minister.

The CM described him as a great freedom fighter who left his flourishing practice to join the freedom movement upon Mahatma Gandhi’s call. “Despite enduring the hardships of imprisonment, Pantji remained steadfast in his commitment to India’s independence”, Yogi remarked.

CM Yogi said, “Pantji’s tireless efforts and significant contributions during the freedom struggle led to his appointment as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, the country’s largest state, after independence. He served in this role until 1954, laying the foundation for the state’s progress by devising a comprehensive action plan to provide basic facilities, education, healthcare, and infrastructure—elements on which today’s Uttar Pradesh is built.”

CM added, “In 1954-55, Pantji became India’s Home Minister, during which his push to make Hindi the official language was a monumental achievement.” CM Yogi also acknowledged Pant’s revenue sector reforms, highlighting its ongoing impact in delivering justice to the underprivileged.

On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, MSME Minister Rakesh Sachan, Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, Legislative Council Member Mukesh Sharma, Lalji Prasad Nirmal, Ramchandra Pradhan, MLA Neeraj Bora etc. were present.