No Compromise with National Unity and Integrity: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

CM: Inspired by Sardar Patel, we must oppose every force that weakens national unity

Chief Minister pays floral tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on National Unity Day

Pays homage to Bharat Ratna Sardar Patel and extends greetings to the people of Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow, Oct 2025 : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’ in Lucknow, organised to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. On the occasion, he offered floral tributes at Patel’s statue and said that the truest tribute to the Iron Man of India—who dedicated his life to the nation’s unity and integrity—would be to imbibe his ideals in our conduct.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the life, dedication, and sacrifice of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel continue to inspire every Indian. “On this National Unity Day, let us resolve to rise above caste, language, religion and region, and strengthen the unity and integrity of India,” he said.

Following Sardar Patel’s ideals is the true tribute

The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a tradition has been established since 2014 to honour the great sons of India who played a pivotal role in uniting the nation. He noted that over 600 ‘Run for Unity’ events were being held across the country to foster patriotism and a spirit of unity among the youth.

Quoting the Indian tradition — “Shivo Bhutva Shivam Yajet” — he said that true reverence lies not merely in words but in aligning one’s behaviour with the ideals of the person one venerates. He highlighted that under PM Modi’s leadership, the ‘Statue of Unity’ in Kevadia, Gujarat, has immortalised Sardar Patel’s legacy and stands today as a national source of inspiration.

Patel united 563 princely states, laid the foundation of integrated India

CM Yogi said that Sardar Patel thwarted British conspiracies after independence and unified 563 princely states to build an integrated India. When the princely states of Hyderabad and Junagadh refused accession, Patel first attempted dialogue, but when national integrity was threatened, he took firm decisions to safeguard India’s unity.

He said that Prime Minister Modi fulfilled the vision of an integrated India by abrogating Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir — a true tribute to Sardar Patel’s dream.

Cultural delegation from Uttar Pradesh to visit Kevadia

The Chief Minister announced that to mark Patel’s 150th birth anniversary year, a cultural delegation and a group of artisans from Uttar Pradesh will visit Kevadia. An event led by the Governor will be held on November 12 to pay homage to Sardar Patel. He added that this initiative will strengthen the ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Swadeshi’ movements by supporting local artisans.

Spirit of national unity echoed across all 75 districts

CM Yogi said that ‘Run for Unity’ events were held in all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh today, with participation from lakhs of youth, students, voluntary organisations, officials, and citizens, symbolising India’s unity, integrity, and social harmony.

Rise above casteism, nepotism and discrimination

The Chief Minister urged people to oppose all divisive attempts made on the basis of casteism, dynasty politics or untouchability. “This is the true message of National Unity Day—that we collectively strengthen India’s integrity and reinforce social harmony,” he said. He added that inspired by Sardar Patel’s life, every Indian must oppose all forces that attempt to weaken the nation’s unity.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna, BJP State President Chaudhary Bhupendra Singh, Mayor Sushma Kharakwal, Rajya Sabha MP Brijlal and several MLAs were present at the event.

CM pays tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on X (formerly Twitter)

Earlier, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended National Unity Day greetings on social media and paid homage to Sardar Patel. He posted:

“On the birth anniversary of the great freedom fighter, Iron Man, Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, I offer my humble tributes and extend warm wishes to the people of Uttar Pradesh on ‘National Unity Day’. Sardar Sahib’s tireless efforts for India’s internal security and integrity will always inspire us to fulfil the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.”