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New Delhi, October 31 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation at the Statue of Unity on the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, said that during ‘Operation Sindoor’, the whole world saw that if anyone dares to raise an eye towards India, ‘India enters the house and kills’.
Speaking at the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) celebrations in Gujarat’s Ekta Nagar, PM Modi drew parallels between India’s first Home Minister Sardar Patel’s vision of a united India and the government’s efforts to maintain similar ideals.
Speaking at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat on Friday, PM Modi said, “After 2014, the country once again saw the iron will and driving force of Sardar Patel. Today Kashmir has become free from the shackles of Article 370 and has completely joined the mainstream.
“Today, even Pakistan and the masters of terrorism have realized the real strength of India. During ‘Operation Sindoor’, the whole world saw that if anyone dared to raise an eye towards India, India hits home. Every time, India’s response is bigger and more decisive than before. This is a message to our enemies: This is Sardar Patel’s India, a nation that never compromises with its security or honour.”
PM Modi made a strong attack on Congress and accused it of abandoning the vision of Sardar Patel.
He claimed, “Sardar Patel gave top priority to sovereignty. Unfortunately, in the years after his death, the governments of that time lacked the same seriousness towards protecting the sovereignty of the country.”
“Mistakes in handling Kashmir, the rise of Naxalism and unrest in the Northeast were all consequences of that weakness,” he said.
He said that late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru prevented Sardar Patel’s vision of complete integration of Kashmir from being realised.
PM Modi said, “Kashmir was divided with a separate constitution and a separate flag. The country burned for decades because of the mistakes of the Congress. Their weak policies allowed a part of Kashmir to go under the illegal occupation of Pakistan. Pakistan used that opportunity to promote terrorism and violence. Congress forgot Sardar Saheb’s vision, but we did not forget.”
Highlighting recent achievements in national security, PM Modi stressed that his government has demonstrated India’s resolve both on and within the borders.
He said, “Today infiltrators are the biggest threat to our unity and security. For decades, foreign infiltrators have infiltrated our lands, consumed our resources and disturbed our demographic balance. Earlier governments ignored the issue for the sake of vote-bank politics. But for the first time, India is taking a firm and decisive stand to protect its integrity.”
Referring to his recent Demography Mission announcement, PM Modi criticized those opposing the government’s efforts to tackle infiltration.
He said, “Some people are putting their self-interest above the country. They are fighting a political battle to secure the rights of infiltrators. Such politics weakens the foundation of unity built by Sardar Patel.”
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to India’s police and security forces, noting that the government has restored their honor by recognizing their sacrifices.
He said, “It is our government that established the National Police Memorial and honored our martyrs. Standing before Sardar Patel, I salute all the members of our police forces who have served and will continue to serve with courage and dedication. By removing the traces of colonial mentality and honoring our protectors, we are strengthening the sense of national pride.”
PM Modi underlined that India’s unity is not just political but deeply rooted in its culture.
He said, “The first pillar of unity is cultural unity. It is the culture of India that has kept us together for thousands of years regardless of political circumstances. Our 12 Jyotirlingas, Shaktipeeths, Char Dham and our countless pilgrimage sites are the spiritual energy that makes India a vibrant and united nation.”
Citing examples of Saurashtra Tamil Sangam and Kasi Tamil Sangam initiatives, he said how the government is connecting different regions through shared heritage.
PM Modi said, “Through these cultural exchanges, we are reviving the ancient bonds that strengthen our national fabric. Similarly, International Yoga Day has given a new global identity to India’s spiritual heritage. Yoga is now a bridge connecting people across the world.”
Before his address, the Prime Minister paid floral tributes to Sardar Patel at the 182-metre-tall Statue of Unity – the tallest statue in the world – and administered the Unity Day Pledge to the gathering, reaffirming India’s commitment to unity, integrity and security.
–IANS
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