New Delhi, May 1 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday greeted the people of Maharashtra and Gujarat on their statehood day and wished that both states scale new heights of progress.

In a message to the people of Maharashtra, he said: "My dear sisters and brothers of Maharashtra, my greetings to you on the occasion of Maharashtra Day."

He said Maharashtra was a land that has contributed immensely to the nation's development.

"It is a land of thinkers, saints and it is the land of the brave and the courageous. The hardworking nature of the people of Maharashtra has always been well-known," said Modi.

In a separate message, Modi wished the people of Gujarat and said: "I pray that Gujarat, a land that is extremely dear to us, scales newer heights of progress in the years to come."

"There is something unique about the soil of Gujarat! The warm nature and the enthusiastic spirit of the people has benefited the state immensely," the prime minister said.