India, Sept. 10 -- LUCKNOW Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant on his 139th birth anniversary, recalling his contribution to India's freedom struggle, governance, land reforms and resolution of linguistic tensions after Independence

Adityanath and UP finance minister Suresh Khanna attended a programme in Lucknow where floral tributes were paid to Pant, the first chief minister of Uttar Pradesh.

Describing Pant as a distinguished lawyer and freedom fighter, the CM recalled his role in defending freedom fighters prosecuted by then British government following the 1925 Kakori train action.

He said, "Pt Govind Ballabh Pant was not only a great advocate but also a prominent free...