Ahmedabad: The Prime Minister will be visiting Gujarat today to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. On this occasion, he will declare the country free from open defecation. CM Vijay Rupani of Gujarat has announced the release of 158 prisoners. PM Modi will reach Bapu's statue at around 7 pm today. After this, he will address 20 thousand sarpanches from across the country on the riverfront. In this ceremony, Modi will declare India free from open defecation.

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In the evening, Modi will go to the Garba Mahotsav organized by the state government where he will perform aarti of Maa Durga. Five years ago, in his first term, PM Modi had pledged to free the country from open defecation by building toilets from door to door. Many stalwarts from the government, non-governmental organizations, various institutions and school colleges and corporate world will attend the event. Apart from sarpanches, ambassadors, embassy personnel, cabinet members of the central and state government will be present in the ceremony.

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Apart from these, honoured with Padma awards, Gandhian, experts related to education and other fields, officials of Mahila Mandal and Yuva Mandals will also be present. The benefit of the sensitivity of CM Vijay Rupani is also going to be given to 158 prisoners lodged in various jails of the state. Minister of State for Home Pradeep Singh Jadeja said that as per the guidelines issued by the Central Government, the Gujarat Government will release 158 prisoners aged 55 to 60 years who have completed 50 to 60 per cent of their sentence on Gandhi Jayanti.

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