A 12-feet statue of Tamil saint poet Thiruvalluvar, which arrived here today from Tamil Nadu did not get a grand welcome ceremony due to lack of accord between the saint community and the district administration.
The initiative for setting up the statue here was taken by BJP MP Tarun Vijay who also provided financial assistance for it.
A small ceremony was conducted at the state government guest house in Dam Kothi, which was attended by Vijay, Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, Meghalaya Governor V. Shanmuganathan among others.
Haridwar District Magistrate Harbans Singh Chugh said in accordance to Chief Minister Harish Rawat's directive the statue would be set up at a public place in full grandeur with the consent of the saints, where the CM of Uttarakahnd and Governor K K Paul would be invited.
The statue will act as a symbol of national integration, he said.
