Shah says Sardar Patel did not get due recognition for contributions flags off 'Run for Unity'

     New Delhi, Oct 31 (PTI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel did not receive the recognition he deserved for his contributions for many years, alleging that the Opposition had attempted to erase his memory.

     Flagging off the 'Run for Unity' to mark Patel's 151st birth anniversary, Shah said, "The Opposition always attempted to erase the memory of Sardar Sahab, but just as the light of the sun cannot be concealed, his legacy could not be suppressed."

     Shah said the linguistic, cultural and traditional diversity of the country was not its weakness but its strength.

     This was the message of Sardar Patel, and it was the path the country must continue to follow, he said.

     "Our linguistic, cultural and religious diversity is our power. Through dialogue, trust and an inclusive mindset, we have built a shared national identity over the past 80 years. While our languages, attire, cultural beliefs and religions may differ, our nation has always remained united," he said.

     Shah said that when Narendra Modi was the chief minister of Gujarat, he commissioned the 'Statue of Unity', thereby presenting the stature of Patel's great personality to the entire nation.

     Shah also administered the 'Unity Pledge' to citizens.

     He said that since Modi became the prime minister, the country has been observing Patel's birth anniversary as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas'.

     Patel not only transformed India's history but also shaped its geography, Shah said.

     "By undertaking the arduous task of uniting numerous princely states and royal domains, Sardar Sahab created the map of the unified India we see today," he said.

     The Union home minister said that on March 31 this year, the country got rid of Naxalism and was now progressing towards becoming a drug-free nation.

     He said creating a drug-free India was a foundational step towards achieving Prime Minister Modi's vision of a 'Viksit Bharat'.

     Shah said the construction of the Somnath Temple was an experience of civilisational and national resurgence.

     "It was Sardar Patel who envisioned the construction of the Somnath Temple. Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the initiatives of 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' are guiding us towards attaining a top position among the world's economies," he said.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)