rime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid glowing tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th birth anniversary, accusing the Congress leadership of betraying Patel’s vision by preventing the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India. Addressing the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations near the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Modi said the Iron Man of India had sought to unite the entire nation under one flag and Constitution, but was stopped by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
“Sardar Patel wanted to unite the entire Kashmir, just as he did with other princely states. But Nehru ji stopped his wish from being fulfilled,” Modi said. “Kashmir was divided, given a separate Constitution and a separate flag — and the nation suffered for decades because of Congress’ mistake.”
The Prime Minister noted that Patel’s efforts to integrate over 550 princely states after Independence laid the foundation for “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.” He added that Patel placed national sovereignty above all else, but successive governments failed to uphold that same commitment. “Every action which weakens the unity of the nation must be avoided by every citizen,” Modi said, calling unity the central message of Ekta Diwas.
Criticizing past Congress governments, Modi said their “weak policies” had led to decades of turmoil in Kashmir, challenges in the Northeast, and the spread of Naxal-Maoist violence. “Instead of following Patel’s policies, those governments chose a spineless approach,” he remarked.
Highlighting his government’s achievements, Modi said that since 2014, India had witnessed a renewed resolve inspired by Patel. “Today, Kashmir has broken free from the shackles of Article 370 and is fully integrated into the mainstream,” he declared. He added that the world had seen India’s decisiveness through operations like Sindoor, proving that “this is the India of Sardar Patel, which will never compromise on its security and honour.”
The Prime Minister said his government’s firm policies had “broken the backbone of Naxal-Maoist terrorism,” reducing the number of affected districts from 125 to just 11.
Earlier, Modi reviewed the National Unity Day parade, featuring contingents led entirely by women officers from the police and paramilitary forces. The parade also showcased tableaux from ten states and organizations, highlighting the theme of “Unity in Diversity.”
Reiterating his call for unity and service to the nation, Modi said, “Devotion to Maa Bharti is the highest form of worship. There is no greater joy than dedicating oneself to the service of the nation.”
