PM Dedicates Decision on Article 370 To Sardar Patel; Says ‘Now J&K Will Have Political Stability’

Speaking on the occasion of National Unity Day, PM said "unity in diversity is our pride and identity."

Image tweeted by @BJP4India

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat’s Kevadia to mark the 144^th birth anniversary of India’s first home minister. The Prime Minister also administered the pledge of national integration to the people. Prime Minister Modi also attended the Ekta Diwas Parade and visited the Technology Demonstration Site and later interact with Civil Service Probationers at Kevadia. Speaking on the occasion of National Unity Day, PM said "unity in diversity is our pride and identity." "When Sardar Patel embarked on integration of princely states, feeling of unity inspired many rulers to join the Indian union. Centuries ago India was united by Chanakya, and after that Sardar Patel did it" he said. Those who cannot win wars against us are trying to destroy our unity, Modi said indirectly attaching Pakistan.  Even after trying for centuries, nobody could annihilate us or defeat us, he said. He said that the country decided to abrogate Article 370, which had only given separatism and terrorism to J&K. “I dedicate the August 5 decision of abrogation of Article 370 to Sardar Patel,” he said. "Now (after Article 370 revocation)  there will be political stability in Jammu and Kashmir," he said. The central government observes October 31 across the country as a day of special occasion to foster and reinforce the government's dedication to preserve and strengthen unity, integrity and security of the nation by celebrating it as a 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' or National Unity Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. Modi government has been observing Patel's birth anniversary as 'Ekta Diwas' or National Unity Day since 2014. Patel was born on October 31, 1875 at Nadiad in Gujarat. India's first Home Minister, Patel is credited for merger of over 560 states into the Union of India. As part of celebrations, various programmes are being organised across the country, recalling Sardar Patel's contribution to unification of India. In his 'Mann Ki Baat' programme on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi had urged people to participate in large numbers in the 'Run for Unity'. "Friends, as you know that October 31 every year since 2014 has been celebrated as 'National Unity Day'. This day imparts the message to protect the unity, integrity and security of our country at any cost. On October 31, this year too 'Run for Unity' is being organized like the previous years. 'Run for Unity' is a symbol of unison, that the nation being united, is moving in one direction and collectively aims for- One goal! Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat," he said. For this occasion, a web portal 'runforunity.gov.in' has also been launched wherein one can find information about various venues for the Run for Unity, that is being organised across the country. Modi had in October 2018 inaugurated Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 'Statue of Unity' on the occasion his 143rd birth anniversary. Located on Sadhu-Bet Island, Gujarat, the 182-metre tall statue occupies over 20,000 square meters and is surrounded by a 12 square km artificial lake.