The Congress on Thursday paid its tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary and alleged continuous efforts are being made to misappropriate his legacy by those whose “ideological gurus” opposed the Quit India Movement and criticised the Constitution.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed heartfelt tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, stating, “Respectful tributes to the Iron Man of India, the first Deputy Prime Minister of the country, former Congress President, and our idol, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ji, who brought completeness to independent India on his birth anniversary.”

“Sardar Patel’s personality and thoughts will always inspire future generations to serve the nation,” he asserted in a post on X.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and former Congress president, reflected on Patel’s unifying impact, remarking, “His footprints that united India and established love and brotherhood in the country always guide us.”

Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary in charge of communications, recognised Patel as a critical figure in the freedom movement and the architect of post-1947 India.

He asserted, “Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is an immortal part of the nation’s history. He was also a stalwart Congressman. Continuous efforts are being made to (mis)appropriate his legacy by those whose ideological gurus opposed the Quit India Movement, during which the Sardar was imprisoned for nearly three years, and who criticized the Constitution—of which he later chaired a key committee.”

“This only exposes the insecurities and hypocrisy of the misappropriators,” he said in a post on X.

Ramesh recalled that Jawaharlal Nehru inaugurated a bronze bust of Patel in Godhra on February 13, 1949. He explained that this bust was established by local Congressmen in Godhra, where Patel began his legal career.

“Nehru spoke about his reluctance to unveil statues of living personalities but made an exception for Sardar Patel due to their close friendship and the Sardar’s unique contributions to the formation of Independent India,” Ramesh elaborated. He pointed out, “This is among the very few, if not the only, busts of Sardar Patel erected when he was alive.”

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress general secretary, paid her respects to “one of the architects of modern India,” stating, “From India’s freedom struggle to building the nation, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ji’s contributions exemplify service and dedication to the country.” The Congress reiterated on its official X handle that Patel’s legacy would continue to inspire the nation.

Born in Nadiad, Gujarat, in 1875, Patel played a monumental role in India’s independence struggle. Renowned for his exceptional leadership and steadfast commitment to national integration, he is affectionately referred to as the “Iron Man of India” and passed away in 1950.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said some forces in and outside India are trying to destabilise the country and spread anarchy to create a negative image of the nation in the world.

The Prime Minister was addressing a gathering near the iconic Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat’s Narmada district after paying floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the birth anniversary of India’s first Home Minister.

“The masters of terrorism now realise that attacking India will not succeed, as we will not hold back,” he said.

Speaking on the issues of Northeast, he said it has faced many challenges, but the government has addressed separatism through dialogue, trust, and development.

“Agreements with the Bodo and Bru-Reang communities have brought peace, and the accord with the National Liberation Front of Tripura has ended long-standing unrest. India is moving towards peace and prosperity,” said PM Modi.

“Mahatma Gandhi once said that our ability to coexist in unity amid diversity will be tested. I am proud that over the last decade, India has successfully fostered unity in diversity, marking a significant achievement for our nation’s integrity,” he said.

“Some forces in and outside India are trying to destabilise the country and spread anarchy to create a negative image of the nation in the world. They are trying to divide the country on caste lines and are against a developed India,” said the PM.

He urged the people of the country to identify this nexus of “urban Naxals” which he said is trying to break the country.

“As Naxalism is ending in jungles, a new model of urban Naxals is raising its head. Today urban Naxals target even those who say that you will remain safe if you remain united. We have to identify urban Naxals and unmask them,” he said, Though there were people who were skeptical of India’s unification, Sardar Patel made it possible, said Modi, adding that the country will celebrate Patel’s 150th birth anniversary for the next two years.

“Our nation is moving towards implementation of ‘one nation, one secular civil code’ which will strengthen our country. We are trying to roll out the ‘one nation, one election’ initiative, which will strengthen our democracy,” he said.

“For the first time in 70 years, the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir has taken oath on the Constitution,” he said, adding that due to the government’s efforts in the past 10 years, Naxalism is counting its last breath in India. 

Since 2014, Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary has been celebrated on October 31 as ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’, or National Unity Day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi extended their greetings to the people on the occasion of Diwali on Thursday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people on the occasion of Diwali and wished everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous life.

“Many happy wishes to the countrymen on Deepawali. On this divine festival of lights, I wish everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous life. May everyone prosper with the blessings of Maa Lakshmi and Lord Shri Ganesha,” PM Modi said in a post on X

Similarly, the Congress leader greeted people on the occasion of Diwali. “Heartiest greetings of Deepawali to all countrymen. I hope that the light of this festival will remove the darkness from your life and illuminate it with happiness and prosperity,” he said in Hindi on X.

Other leaders across party lines greeted the nation on the occasion of Diwali. In a post on X, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “Heartiest greetings to all countrymen on the festival of lights, Diwali. May this festival of lights bring new energy, health, and prosperity in the lives of all of you.”

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also greeted people on this auspicious day.

Taking to X, the National Conference vice president wrote, “Wishing everyone celebrating today a very happy #Diwali. May the light of all the lamps fill our lives with good health, happiness & success.”

In a post on X, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal greeted people and said, “A lot of best wishes to all countrymen on Deepawali. May this festival bring happiness, peace and prosperity in your life. May this festival of lights spread the light of happiness in your home and courtyard.”

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy extended his greetings on the occasion of Diwali. “Breaking through the darkness Hoping for “change”… A lighted lamp in people’s lives Hoping to shed new light… Happy Diwali to all people,” he said in a post on X.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath greeted people on the occasion of Diwali. “Hearty congratulations and best wishes to the people of the state on the great festival of Diwali, the victory of religion over unrighteousness, truth over falsehood and light over darkness! May the merciful Lord Shri Ram and Mother Janaki continue to shower their blessings on everyone, this is my wish,” he said on X.

Diwali is known as the ‘Festival of Lights.’ Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.