Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, stated that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had wanted to unify the entire region of Jammu & Kashmir with India, similar to his historic integration of 550 princely states, but was prevented by then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Modi underlined Patel’s philosophy, noting, “Sardar Patel believed in creating history, not merely writing it.” He said Patel’s dedication and firm decisions had shaped modern India and emphasized that Patel’s vision of a united and strong nation remains a guiding force.
According to Modi, the special status and separate Constitution once granted to Kashmir divided the nation and caused decades of suffering. He reiterated that the removal of these privileges under his government marked the fulfillment of a long-standing national aspiration.
Highlighting internal security, the Prime Minister called for a resolute fight against infiltrators, declaring that the nation must pledge to eliminate every such threat to India’s unity and demographic balance. “Unity and internal security face threats from infiltrators. This fight is decisive,” he said, while also reaffirming the government’s stance on uprooting Naxal and Maoist violence.
Modi criticized the Congress, stating it inherited a “slave mindset” from British rule, and emphasized the nationwide effort to shed every trace of colonial mentality. He urged citizens to reject anything that weakens national unity.
The event featured a grand parade led by women officers from police and paramilitary forces across India, including BSF, ITBP, CRPF, and state police units. Special highlights included gallantry awardees from Operation Sindoor, a BSF canine unit led by Mudhol hound “Riya,” an aerobatic display by the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran team, motorcycle daredevils from Assam Police, and camel-mounted BSF contingents. Tableaux from states and special forces like NSG and NDRF showcased India’s rich diversity and strength.
