President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday wished the people of Gujarat, and Maharashtra on their Statehood Day.

“On the occasion of Gujarat Day, warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Gujarat. May the state scale newer heights of development in the years to come,” Kovind tweeted.

On the occasion of Gujarat Day, warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Gujarat. May the state scale newer heights of development in the years to come #PresidentKovind

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— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 1, 2018

“On Maharashtra Day, greetings and good wishes to the people of Maharashtra. May the state continue to prosper and develop in the years to come,” he said in another tweet.

On Maharashtra Day, greetings and good wishes to the people of Maharashtra. May the state continue to prosper and develop in the years to come #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 1, 2018

Modi also took to Twitter to wish people of the two states on the occasion. He said people of Gujarat were known for their simplicity and entrepreneurial zeal.

“Gujarat has made a significant contribution in our nation’s history, especially during the freedom movement. May Gujarat continue to add impetus to India’s progress,” he tweeted.

Greetings on Gujarat Diwas. The state’s people are known for their simplicity and entrepreneurial zeal. Gujarat has made a significant contribution in our nation’s history, especially during the freedom movement. May Gujarat continue to add impetus to India’s progress.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 1, 2018

Extending his greetings to Maharashtra, he said: “I pray for the continued progress and prosperity of Maharashtra. May the state scale new heights and keep contributing to the development journey of our nation.”

Best wishes to the people of Maharashtra on their Statehood Day. I pray for the continued progress and prosperity of Maharashtra. May the state scale new heights and keep contributing to the development journey of our nation.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 1, 2018

Maharashtra was formed on May 1, 1960. Each year Maharashtra Day is commemorated with a parade at Shivaji Park in Dadar where the Governor gives a speech. The State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), Mumbai Police and Home Guards personnel take part in this parade.

The States Reorganisation Act, 1956, defined boundaries for states within India on the basis of languages. The Bombay state which was formed under this act had people speaking languages like Marathi, Gujarati, Kutchi and Konkani.

The Sanyukta Maharashtra Samiti and Mahagujarat Movement spearheaded the movement to divide the Bombay State into two states. These two states were bifurcated in two parts – one where people spoke Gujarati and Kutchhi and the second where Marathi and Konkani were primarily spoken by people.

According to the Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960 enacted by Parliament on April 25, 1960, the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat came into existence as both states attained statehood on May 1.

(with agency inputs)