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New Delhi, October 30 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Congress, accusing it of failing to give due recognition to the architect of India’s unity, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Union Minister Shah said that after Patel’s death, it took 41 years for the Congress government to honor him with Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, Union Minister Shah said, “After Sardar Patel’s death, Congress tried to erase his legacy. It took 41 years to give him the Bharat Ratna. But it was Prime Minister Modi who gave him the respect he really deserved by building the Statue of Unity.”
The Home Minister said, “I am here to inform you about the 150th anniversary celebrations of Sardar Patel in Kevadiya. We all know that Sardar Patel played an important role in uniting India after independence and building one India. Tomorrow is his 150th birth anniversary and since 2014, PM Modi comes to Kevadiya every year to pay tribute to him.”
Highlighting the significance of this year’s celebrations, HM Shah announced that the Home Ministry has decided to organize a grand parade on the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel on 31 October every year.
“This year, Run for Unity will also be organized on a large scale in all states, union territories, districts and police stations,” he said.
Union Minister Shah further said that ‘Ek Bharat Parv’ will be organized in Ekta Nagar from 1 to 15 November, which will conclude on the birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda.
Describing Patel as more than just a leader, Shah said, “Sardar Patel is not just a person but an ideology. He played a vital role in India’s freedom struggle and was the backbone of many movements led by Mahatma Gandhi, who affectionately titled him ‘Sardar’.”
Recalling Sardar Patel’s pivotal role in national integration, Union Minister Shah said, “When the entire country was celebrating independence on August 15, Sardar Patel was in the command room and monitoring the operation with naval officers to secure Lakshadweep. Because of his leadership, our southern region became stronger and the islands became part of India.”
–IANS
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