Amit Shah Accuses Congress of Neglecting Sardar Patel’s Legacy, Announces Grand 150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations

New Delhi, Oct 2025 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday launched a strong attack on the Congress, accusing it of failing to give due recognition to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel — the architect of India’s political and territorial unity. He said it took the Congress government 41 years after Patel’s death to confer the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian honour, upon him.

Addressing a press conference ahead of Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, Shah said, “After Sardar Patel’s death, the Congress tried to erase his legacy. It took 41 years to award him the Bharat Ratna. But it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who restored his rightful place in history by building the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue.”

The Home Minister said the government has planned extensive celebrations in Kevadia, Gujarat — now known as Ekta Nagar — to mark the milestone anniversary. “Tomorrow marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. Since 2014, Prime Minister Modi has visited Kevadia every year to pay tributes to the Iron Man of India,” Shah said.

He added that the Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to hold a grand parade every year on October 31, Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary, to honour his enduring contribution to national integration.

“This year, a nationwide Run for Unity will be organised across all states, Union Territories, districts, and police stations to celebrate Patel’s legacy,” Shah announced.

As part of the larger programme, Shah said an Ek Bharat Parv will also be held at Ekta Nagar from November 1 to 15, culminating on the birth anniversary of tribal freedom icon Birsa Munda. The event will showcase India’s cultural diversity and unity in line with Patel’s vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat (One India, Great India).

Calling Sardar Patel “not just a leader but an ideology,” Shah said Patel’s role extended far beyond the freedom struggle. “He was the backbone of several movements led by Mahatma Gandhi, who affectionately gave him the title of ‘Sardar’,” he added.

Recalling Patel’s decisive leadership during India’s integration, Shah said, “When the entire nation was celebrating Independence on August 15, Sardar Patel was in the command room with naval officers overseeing operations to secure Lakshadweep. Because of his leadership, our southern front became stronger, and the islands became part of India.”