'Sovereignty above all else': PM Modi pays tribute to Sardar Patel; claims Congress 'took missteps in Kashmir'

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid his tribute on 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity, located on the Narmada River in Gujarat.



PM could be seen offering his prayers at the Statue at around 8am. He also paid floral tributes to the first Deputy Prime Minister of India.




PM Modi also witnessed the 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' parade on the 150th birth anniversary in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. Then, he administered the oath of unity.



Additionally, a day before, PM Modi also met the family of Sardar Patel. "Met the family of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Kevadia. It was a delight to interact with them and recall the monumental contribution of Sardar Patel to our nation," he said.

PM Modi addresses gathering

The Prime Minister also addressed a gathering on the occasion praising Sardar Patel. " "After Independence, Sardar Patel accomplished the seemingly impossible task of uniting over 550 princely states. For him, the vision of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' was paramount," he said adding that, "Sardar Patel believed we should not waste time in writing history but creating it; he created history by unifying India."

"The missteps taken by Congress in governing Kashmir have caused the region and the nation to endure decades of turmoil. Weak and ineffective policies allowed a significant portion of Kashmir to be illegally occupied, setting the stage for Pakistan to fuel and promote terrorism. This chain of events led to a heavy price being paid by both Kashmir and the entire country," he also said taking jab at opposition.

"Despite this, Congress consistently adopted a compromising stance toward terrorism, failing to uphold a strong and resolute approach. They strayed from the visionary ideals of Sardar Patel, but we have not forgotten those principles," he further added.

Also read | At 150, Sardar Patel gets India’s grandest birthday tribute
Before the above tribute, PM Modi also shared a video in Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's honour, describing his life and highlighting his achievements.

"India pays homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th Jayanti. He was the driving force behind India’s integration, thus shaping our nation’s destiny in its formative years. His unwavering commitment to national integrity, good governance and public service continues to inspire generations. We also reaffirm our collective resolve to uphold his vision of a united, strong and self-reliant India," said PM as he shared the video on X.



'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' is celebrated in Sardar's Patel's honour, marking his birth anniversary.
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