"Statue of Unity Project is a non-political campaign undertaken (to acknowledge) the contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to the nation," Mangubhai Patel said when asked how a Deputy Speaker could be a part of a Chief Minister's programme when constitutionally his post is neutral.
The Deputy Speaker is here as part of a 16-member delegation from Gujarat meeting various political and apolitical people and mobilising support for the project.
"We have met Mahendra Singh Dhoni's father at his residence and extended invitation to participate in the 'Run for Unity' on December 15. Tomorrow, we will go to Jamshedpur," Patel said after calling on Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren here.