Kovind, Modi greet Gujarat, Maharashtra on foundation day (Lead)

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday greeted the people of Gujarat and Maharashtra on their state foundation days.

Kovind in a series of tweets wished the states to achieve newer heights of development.

"On Maharashtra Day, greetings and good wishes to the people of Maharashtra. May the state scale newer heights of development in the years to come.

"Greetings to the people of Gujarat on statehood day. May the state continue to develop and prosper in the years to come. My best wishes to the people of Gujarat for a bright future," he said.

The Prime Minister, in a series of tweets, listed the characteristics of people belonging to the state.

"Best wishes to the people of Gujarat on Gujarat Diwas. In all spheres, people from the state have made outstanding contributions. Gujaratis are known for their courage, innovation and spirit of enterprise. May Gujarat scale new heights of glory," wrote Modi, who also hails from the state.

"Greetings to my sisters and brothers of Maharashtra on the state's Foundation Day. Maharashtra is a land of revolutionaries and reformers who have enriched India's progress. Praying for the continued growth of the state in the times to come," he added.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi also greeted the people of both the states and gave his best wishes.

The states of Gujarat and Maharashtra came into being with the Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960, enacted by Parliament on April 25, 1960. The act came into effect on May 1, 1960. IANS