(REOPENS DEL 37)

Sachin Pilot said villages should be the centre of development and that the country cannot progress unless 6.5 lakh villages in the country sees development. His mother Rama Pilot made an emotional speech saying her husband always worked for the welfare of farmers and that was the reason why people from far-away places in Rajasthan have come to see the unveiling of his statue. "My husband worked for the country tirelessly and he is no more. Now I have given my son for the country and he should follow his father's footsteps always," she said. Hooda lavished praises on Rajesh Pilot, calling him a "true leader" of farming community and one who was always at the forefront when it came to fighting for their rights. "I had know Rajesh Pilot for several years. I had worked closely with him. His heart always ached for farmers and he never let them down," he said. Other speakers, including Sports Minister Jitendra Singh, spoke about Rajesh Pilot's tenure as the Minister for Internal Security and his visit to Jammu and Kashmir at the height of militancy.