Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi announced his government’s plan to build a Statue of Unity, a 182-metre high statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel “two times taller than the Statue of Liberty and easily the world’s tallest statue”.

Modi’s announcement came on the eve of his completion of nine years as Chief Minister on October 9. A separate society formed under his chairmanship will monitor implementation of the idea, according to the BJP’s official project brochure. It will be in the nature of a private-public partnership and will involve inviting suggestions from experts across the world.

To be located on Sadhu Bet in river Narmada, the memorial will be “the tallest beyond comparison, reminding every onlooker not only of the freedom struggle but of the story of a united India. It will be a constant inspiration towards fulfilling the dreams of suraaj (good governance),” said Modi.