Every year on October 31, ‘National Unity Day’ is marked on the birth anniversary of ‘Iron Man of India’ Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India, belonging to the grand old party Indian National Congress. Here’s how Congress’ leaders paid tribute to their former leader, who played a great role in uniting the country.

“Tributes to the great freedom fighter and the first Home Minister of the country, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, on his birth anniversary. The inspiration to unite India and unite the entire country comes from Sardar Patel only,” said Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in a social media post on X, (previously Twitter).

“Tributes to ‘Iron Man’ and Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary. We will always be indebted to Patel ji for his immense contribution in nation building,” wrote the official X handle of the Indian National Congress.

Congress President shared a picture of himself paying tribute to the former Union Home Minister of the country at Samvidhan Bhavan. He paid tribute to Sardar Patel by quoting him: ““Today we must remove distinctions of high and low, rich and poor, caste or creed.” ~ Sardar Patel Joined the nation in paying our respects to the great unifier of India, a staunch Gandhian, Congress ideologue, and our inspiration, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ji on his birth anniversary.”

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh shared a piece of document to show what the former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had said about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

In a social media post on X, Jairam wrote: “Today a grateful nation celebrates the 148th birth anniversary of the one and only Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. On Feb 13, 1949 while unveiling a bronze bust of his Jawaharlal Nehru had said: “Sardar Patel, after all, is not of Gujarat alone; he belongs to the whole of India. He has drawn the map of free India. He has had a great hand in securing the independence of India and later contributed greatly to preserving it…”. It must be noted here that Nehru went against his own beliefs and made an exception in Patel’s case by inaugurating the bronze bust pf Patel during his lifetime.”

“The previous day Nehru had described his visit to Vallabh Vidyanagar that was being built near the Sardar’s birthplace as “a pilgrimage”. His remarks at both places reveal the special relationship he and the Sardar enjoyed for three decades,” added Jairam.

“The Sardar’s role in the integration of princely states is well-known. Equally crucial was his chairmanship of the Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, Minorities and Tribal and Excluded Areas which shaped the country’s Constitution so very decisively,” concluded Jairam.

 

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TOPICS: Congress National Unity day Rahul Gandhi Sardar Patel