People are aware of the contributions of leaders like Sardar Patel, Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, so why build a statue that costs nearly ₹3,000 crore (“Towering statue of Patel dedicated to the nation”, Nov. 1)? Our leaders should stop wasting taxpayers’ money on statues and instead use it to build schools and hospitals and formulate schemes in these leaders’ names. Also, it is ironical that a statue of unity is being built at a time of polarisation.
It is said that,The statue is supposed to attract thousands of tourists daily. But foreigners are afraid to come to India as they hear it is unsafe and dangerous, especially for women. Reports say that the statue is situated in a remote corner. The government should address basic problems such as how to get there easily and how to make public spaces safer.