Amit Shah says Modi realised Sardar Patel’s vision through Article 370 abrogation

NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi fulfilled Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s dream of a unified India by abrogating Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. Mr Shah made the remarks while flagging off the Run for Unity at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, India’s first Home Minister. The annual event is held as part of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) celebrations across the country.

Addressing the gathering, the Home Minister recalled the circumstances following India’s independence, when the country was divided into 562 princely states. “At that time, the entire world thought that it would be impossible to unite these 562 princely states into one nation. However, within a short span of time, Sardar Patel accomplished the monumental task of integrating all 562 princely states and the map of modern India that we see today is the result of his vision and efforts,” Mr Shah said. He added that the government led by Prime Minister Modi had carried forward Patel’s mission by removing Article 370 in 2019, thereby fully integrating Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the nation. “By abrogating Article 370, Prime Minister Modi has realised Sardar Patel’s dream of a truly unified India,” Mr Shah remarked.

The Home Minister also urged citizens to emulate Sardar Patel’s spirit of nationalism and unity. He emphasised that the Run for Unity symbolises the country’s collective strength and the resolve to preserve its integrity.

Participants from various walks of life joined the run, which began from the stadium and passed through central Delhi, echoing the theme of unity and solidarity. The event concluded with patriotic songs and the Ekta Diwas pledge reaffirming the nation’s commitment to oneness.