Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on Friday, October 31, 2025. He addressed the crowd after the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade near the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat.He said that Sardar Patel aimed to unify all of Kashmir, just like he did with other princely states.
However, PM Nehru prevented this from happening. “Sardar Patel believed that we should not waste time writing history; instead, we should work hard to create it,” Mr. Modi said.
PM praise Sardar Patel on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas
“Sardar Patel wanted to bring all of Kashmir into India, just as he did with other princely states. But Nehru ji halted his efforts. Kashmir was divided and given its own Constitution and flag. The nation suffered for decades because of Congress’ mistake,” Mr. Modi added.
PM Modi visited Patel’s 182-metre-tall statue in the morning. This statue is located in Narmada district, Gujarat. He paid his respects to the Iron Man of India by offering flower petals.
Sardar Patel unite over 550 princely states
The PM noted that the policies and decisions made by Sardar Patel created a new history. “After Independence, Sardar Patel made it possible to unite more than 550 princely states, which seemed impossible. His idea of One India, Excellent India was very important to him,” Mr. Modi said.
“Sardar Patel once said that his greatest joy came from serving the nation. I want to tell the people of our country that there is no greater happiness than dedicating oneself to national service,” he said.
Before his speech, Mr. Modi reviewed the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade. This parade featured contingents from police and paramilitary forces.
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