Mahatma Gandhi seems incomplete without Sardar Patel: Modi

Mahatma Gandhi seemed incomplete without Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as he played an integral role in the freedom struggle launched by the father of the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here Friday.

“Sardar Patel joined Mahatma Gandhi in the integration of farmers in the freedom struggle. He (Patel) played an integral role in the Dandi yatra,” Mr. Modi said while addressing the nation on the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel being observed as ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’

“Mahatma Gandhi seems incomplete without Sardar Patel. It was a unique partnership that strengthened the struggle for independence,” he added.

A ‘Run for Unity’ and pledge marked India’s first home minister’s birth anniversary.

The country can never forget Patel’s contribution in uniting the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here Friday.

“The British wanted India to break into pieces but Sardar Patel unified the 550 provinces into one country,” Modi said while addressing the nation on the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel being observed as ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’.

“Through his skill, vision and patriotism Sardar Patel integrated the nation. We can never forget his contribution in uniting free India,” Mr. Modi added.

Earlier, the Prime Minister paid floral tributes at the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary.

Mr. Modi, who was dressed in a white kurta pyjama with a red coloured shawl draped on his left shoulder, was accompanied by Defence and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu, Delhi Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung and others.

The leaders offered rose petals in front of a huge portrait of Sardar Patel at Patel Chowk near Parliament House here.