National Unity Day: Amit Shah Says Congress Tried To Erase Sardar Patel From Public Memory

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday accused the Congress of sidelining and attempting to erase Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel from the country’s memory. He said the first Deputy Prime Minister did not receive the respect he deserved during the Congress period.

Shah made the remarks while addressing the ‘Ekta Run’ in New Delhi on Patel’s 151st birth anniversary.

“For many years, India did not accord Sardar Patel the respect he deserved. The Congress party consistently attempted to sideline and forget Sardar Sahab, but a radiant personality like his can never be erased from the nation’s memory,” Shah said.

The Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with honouring Patel’s legacy through the construction of the Statue of Unity in Gujarat.

Shah said PM Modi built the world’s tallest statue during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister. The statue aims to introduce Patel’s contributions and personality to people across the country.

The Home Minister highlighted Patel’s role in national integration. He said Patel helped create an undivided India in just 1,218 days.

“Even several leaders working together could not achieve in a lifetime what Sardar Patel accomplished in just 1,218 days to unite India,” Shah said.

Shah urged citizens to support the government’s efforts to eliminate Naxalism and drug abuse. He appealed to people to help make India completely drug-free by December 31, 2029.

The Minister said the country had made progress towards becoming free from Naxalism and drugs by March 31 this year.

HM Shah described a ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ as the first step towards achieving ‘Viksit Bharat’.

Shah further said the government had observed Patel’s birth anniversary as National Unity Day since PM Modi became Prime Minister. He cited the abrogation of Article 370 and efforts to eliminate Naxalism as major decisions under the Modi government.

Also Read: National Unity Day: President Murmu, Vice-President Radhakrishnan Pay Tribute To Sardar Patel