PM Modi: Sardar Patel Wanted Full Integration of Kashmir, But Nehru Stopped It
At Rashtriya Ekta Diwas event in Gujarat’s Ekta Nagar, Prime Minister Modi lauds Sardar Patel’s role in uniting princely states, vows decisive action against infiltrators and Naxalism.
Ekta Nagar (Gujarat), Oct 31: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel wanted to integrate the entire Jammu and Kashmir with India, but the plan was halted by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Speaking at the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade near the Statue of Unity in Gujarat’s Ekta Nagar, Modi hailed Sardar Patel as the architect of India’s unity, noting that his leadership made the unification of more than 550 princely states possible after Independence.
“Sardar Patel wanted to unite the entire Kashmir, just as he did with other princely states. But Nehru ji stopped his wish from being fulfilled. Kashmir was divided, given a separate Constitution and flag and the nation suffered for decades because of Congress’ mistake,” Modi said.
He added that Patel’s policies and decisions created history and laid the foundation for a unified India. “For him, the idea of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ was paramount,” the Prime Minister said.
Calling for national unity, Modi urged citizens to take a pledge on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas to remove every infiltrator from the country. “The unity and internal security of our nation face serious threat from infiltrators. For decades, they have been entering our country and disrupting its demographic balance,” he said.
Highlighting his government’s crackdown on left-wing extremism, Modi asserted that the fight against Naxalism and Maoism would continue until the menace is completely eradicated.
Taking a sharp dig at the Congress, Modi said the party inherited the “slave mentality” of British rulers and accused it of weakening India’s unity. “Every thought or action that weakens the unity of our nation must be shunned by every citizen. This is the need of the hour,” he stated.
Before his address, the Prime Minister reviewed the National Unity Day parade, which featured contingents from police and paramilitary forces all commanded by women officers. Forces such as the BSF, CISF, ITBP, CRPF, SSB, and state police units from Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Assam, and several others participated.
The parade also showcased 16 BSF personnel awarded gallantry medals for Operation Sindoor, a motorcycle stunt show by Assam Police, and a camel-mounted contingent of the BSF. A special attraction was the participation of Mudhol and Rampur hounds, including Riya the Mudhol hound that won the All India Police Dog Competition.
The event concluded with a breathtaking air show by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team of the Indian Air Force and tableaux from 10 states and Union Territories, celebrating India’s “unity in diversity.”
