CM Yogi paid rich tributes to Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his death anniversary on Monday (December 15), remembering him as the “architect of modern India” and a symbol of firm leadership and national unity.
On the occasion, CM offered floral tributes at the statue of Sardar Patel and recalled his life, ideals, and historic contributions to the nation.
Sardar Patel’s Leadership and Legacy Remembered
While addressing the gathering, CM Yogi said that Sardar Patel’s leadership was visionary and decisive. However, he added that it was the nation’s misfortune that the Iron Man of India passed away on December 15, 1950, cutting short a life dedicated entirely to public service.
Nevertheless, he said, Sardar Patel’s memories, sacrifices, and service to the country remain immortal. Therefore, India will always remember him as the true builder of the nation.
From Humble Origins to National Leadership
CM Yogi recalled that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born on October 31, 1875, in Karamasad village of Gujarat, into a simple farmer’s family.
Despite limited resources, he pursued higher education through hard work and determination. Importantly, CM noted that Patel’s goal was never personal gain or serving a foreign regime. Instead, he wanted to understand the world and dedicate his talent and energy to the service of Mother India.
Role in Freedom Struggle and National Integration
The Chief Minister further said that Sardar Patel played a decisive role in the freedom movement and endured several imprisonments. However, he never wavered from the struggle for independence.
At the time of Independence, when the country faced the challenge of integration, Patel strongly opposed the partition of India. As a result of his firm resolve and diplomatic skill, 567 princely states were merged into the Indian Union, giving the country a strong and united structure.
Junagadh and Hyderabad Integrated Through Wisdom
Explaining Patel’s strategic acumen, CM Yogi said that the rulers of Junagadh and Hyderabad refused to join India after Independence. Meanwhile, the British had given princely states the option to join India, Pakistan, or remain independent. While most Hindu princely states chose India, Junagadh and Hyderabad resisted. Consequently, through Sardar Patel’s foresight and bloodless action, both states became part of India, and their rulers fled the country.
Criticism of Nehru’s Handling of Kashmir
CM Yogi also criticised the handling of the Kashmir issue after Independence. He said that Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru took responsibility for Jammu and Kashmir but made decisions that turned it into a long-standing dispute. As a result, the country suffered from terrorism and separatism for decades. However, he added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi fulfilled the vision of Sardar Patel and Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee by abrogating Article 370 and fully integrating Kashmir with India.
Contributions as India’s First Home Minister
As Home Minister, Sardar Patel played a key role in rebuilding the Somnath Temple, strengthening India’s administrative system, and shaping the Indian Administrative Service in its present form. Finally, CM Yogi said that every Indian remembers Sardar Patel with deep respect and gratitude for his unmatched contribution to the nation.
Several ministers, public representatives, and BJP leaders were present on the occasion, including Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and Cabinet Minister Swatantra Dev Singh.
