PM Modi addresses a gathering amidst ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’

PM Modi, amidst speaking at the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations on Friday near statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar in Ahmedabad, he said that it was the wish of India’s first Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, to fully integrate Jammu and Kashmir into India, but was prevented from doing so by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

Kashmir was divided, given a separate Constitution and a separate flag, and the nation suffered for decades because of Congress’ mistake.”
At the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, PM Modi marked Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary with a fierce call for unity, declaring that India will root out every infiltrator and crush the remnants of Naxal-Maoist terror.

Mustering determination from Patel’s legacy, Modi said this is the India of the Iron Man, unyielding on security, self-respect, and national sovereignty.
Against the backdrop of rain-washed hills, Modi’s voice echoed Patel’s indomitable spirit, a reminder that unity remains India’s greatest strength. It was Modi’s declaration that post-2014, India has delivered a “decisive blow” to Naxal-Maoist terror and vowed to eliminate every infiltrator threatening the nation’s integrity.
He asserted that on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, let us pledge to remove every infiltrator living in India,” linking security and unity as inseparable pillars of a strong nation.
Paying homage to the Iron Man, the Prime Minister recalled Patel’s monumental feat of integrating over 550 princely states and said his vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat continues to guide India’s destiny.

He warned that every action that weakens national unity must be shunned urging citizens to guard against internal and external threats alike.
In a fiery critique of past governments, he accused them of undermining Patel’s legacy and compromising sovereignty. “This is Sardar Patel’s India, it will never compromise on its security or self-respect,” Modi declared. He said successive regimes after Patel’s death failed to show the same resolve, resulting in blunders in Kashmir, unrest in the Northeast, and the spread of Maoist extremism.
Turning to Kashmir, Modi revisited Patel’s unrealised dream of total integration. “The then leadership stopped Patel’s will from being fulfilled,” he said, adding that the consequences, Pakistan’s illegal occupation and decades of terrorism, stemmed from that decision.
Contrasting that with his government’s actions, he hailed the abrogation of Article 370 as the moment when “Kashmir broke free from shackles” and fully joined the national mainstream.
The Prime Minister further asserted that Operation Sindoor and cross-border strikes showcased India’s new confidence. “If anyone dares to challenge us, we strike within enemy territory,” he said, sending a sharp message to adversaries that “this is the India of Sardar Patel.”
Modi then shifted focus to the internal front, calling the fight against Naxalism one of independent India’s biggest security successes. Before 2014, he said, Maoists controlled vast regions where “India’s Constitution did not apply.” Now, he declared, Naxal influence has shrunk from 125 districts to just 11. “Our battle will continue until the last trace of Maoism is erased,” he pledged.

The Prime Minister also targeted the issue of infiltration, calling it a “long-ignored danger” that has strained India’s demographic balance and security. He accused previous regimes of ignoring the threat for political gain, asserting, “This government has resolved to remove every infiltrator, no matter where they hide.”
Modi then broadened his address to warn against “colonial mindsets” still lingering in governance and society. He accused the opposition of inheriting the British mentality of division and reminded the crowd that his government has erased such relics, renaming Rajpath as Kartavya Path, revamping the naval ensign, and building memorials for forgotten heroes.
Invoking Vande Mataram and the sacrifices of the freedom movement, Modi said, “By honouring those who laid down their lives, we strengthen the spirit of ‘Nation First’.” He reminded the crowd that 36,000 personnel have died for internal security and that new memorials now immortalise their valour.
Underscoring that unity is the bedrock of a strong nation, Modi outlined the “four pillars of India’s unity”, cultural unity, linguistic harmony, inclusive development, and connection of hearts through connectivity. He said India’s cultural and linguistic diversity was not a challenge but a binding force.
He highlighted how development and connectivity, from highways to Vande Bharat trains, and from clean water to digital networks, were knitting the nation closer. “This connectivity of hearts and places is modern India’s real strength,” he noted.
Closing his address with a tribute to Patel, Modi said, “The greatest devotion to Maa Bharati is service to the nation.” He urged every Indian to uphold unity as a sacred duty and reaffirmed his confidence that “together, 140 crore Indians will fulfil the dream of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat and build a Viksit Bharat.”
Let’s build strong, harmonious, excellent India: President Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu on Friday greeted citizens on the birth anniversary of ‘Iron Man’ Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and asked all to resolve to build a “strong, harmonious, and excellent India.”
Murmu said Sardar Patel was a great patriot, visionary leader and nation-builder, who accomplished the historic task of unifying the country through his unwavering resolve, indomitable courage and adept leadership.
“His dedication and spirit of national service serve as an inspiration to us all. Let us, on the occasion of ‘National Unity Day’, unite together and resolve to build a strong, harmonious, and excellent India,” the President said in a post on X, in Hindi.
“On the birth anniversary of ‘Iron Man’ Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, I extend my heartfelt best wishes to all my fellow citizens,” Murmu said.
The President also paid homage to the ‘Iron Man’ on his 150th birth anniversary at Sardar Patel Chowk here.
She also offered floral tributes to Sardar Patel at Gantantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan.

News Edit KV Raman