Paying glowing tributes to Bharat Ratna Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant on his death anniversary on Thursday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recalled his crucial role in the freedom movement.
Garlanding Pandit Pant, who served as the first chief minister of the state and the home minister of the country, the chief minister remembered him as a great son of Mother India and a great freedom fighter.
“He (Pandit Pant) played a leading role in various movements led by Mahatma Gandhi for the country’s independence. On the reorganisation of Uttar Pradesh on January 24, 1950, he played an important role in the smooth progress of the state’s administration as the first Chief Minister of the state,” he said.
CM Yogi further said that Govind Ballabh Pant actively participated in the freedom movement by providing invaluable services to the people as the chief minister of the United Provinces in 1937. After the sudden demise of the country’s first home minister and deputy prime minister, Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, in December 1954, he assumed the responsibility as the home minister of the country.
Highlighting the contribution of Pandit Pant to the country, the chief minister recounted how as the home minister of the country from 1955 to 1961, Govind Ballabh Pant rendered invaluable services to accord recognition of Hindi as the official language.
In recognition of his services to the nation, he was honoured with the highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna, in 1957. Not only that, he also served as an important member of the Constituent Assembly of India, the CM added.
CM Yogi paid his tributes to Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant on behalf of the state, acknowledging his contributions to the state and the nation.