Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, while commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), launched a direct critique of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, over the handling of the Kashmir issue.
Addressing a large gathering near the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, PM Modi celebrated Sardar Patel’s legacy in unifying over 550 princely states into the Indian Union, calling it an “impossible task.”
The Kashmir ‘Mistake’
The Prime Minister then pivoted to the issue of Kashmir, stating, “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. Kashmir was divided, given a separate Constitution and a separate flag—and the nation suffered for decades because of Congress’ mistake.”
PM Modi emphasized that Sardar Patel’s philosophy was to ‘create history’ through action rather than waste time merely ‘writing history.’ He asserted that the policies and decisions formulated by the ‘Iron Man of India’ set the nation on a new course.
“The idea of ‘One India, Excellent India,’ was paramount for him,” the Prime Minister stated, underscoring Patel’s unwavering dedication to national unity.
All-Women Contingents Lead Unity Parade
Before his address, PM Modi administered the Ekta Diwas pledge and reviewed the ceremonial parade. This year’s event was notable for its emphasis on women’s leadership, as women officers commanded all the marching contingents from various police and paramilitary forces, including the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB, as well as state police units from across the country.
The parade, attended by thousands, was part of the nation’s ongoing effort to honor Sardar Patel’s pivotal role in nation-building and promote the spirit of national unity and integrity.