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.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday lauded the team of Amaran including film starrer Sai Pallavi and Sivakarthikeyan as well as director Rajkumar Periasamy for capturing the bravery and dedication of Tamil Nadu army veteran Major Mukund Varadarajan in his film.

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister said that he watched the film at the invitation of veteran actor Kamal Haasan

“I watched a movie yesterday #amrnnn after accepting the invitation of my artist friend @ikamalhaasan. It’s great to bring true stories to today’s youth in the form of books – as well as movies! Director @Rajkumar_KP, Major Mukund Varadarajan – Tirumiku has emotionally captured the bravery and dedication of Tamil Nadu army veteran Major Mukund Varadarajan. My congratulations to all the crew of Thambi @Siva_Kartikeyan, @Sai_Pallavi92 and #Amaran for portraying the roles of Indu Rebecca Varghese very well! Big Salute to our soldiers who protect the country – Major Mukund Varadarajan who lives in our memory! @RKFI @gvprakash,” Stalin posted on X.

Recently, the creators of Amaran released the film’s trailer, featuring Sivakarthikeyan in the titular role of Major Mukund Varadarajan. The film narrates the compelling story of the decorated soldier who commanded the Indian Army’s 44 Rashtriya Rifles Cheetah Company and made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Sai Pallavi joins the cast as well, and the film is premiering today.

The trailer opens with a striking statement from an officer to Major Mukund: “You do not choose 44 RR; 44 RR chooses you,” effectively setting the tone for the heroism depicted in the film. It offers glimpses into Major Mukund’s personal life, showcasing his family’s reaction to his choice to join the military and the love story he shares with Indhu, portrayed by Sai Pallavi.

Intense action sequences illustrate Major Mukund, as played by Sivakarthikeyan, in battle, where he resolutely declines a retreat order from his superior, asserting, “I’ll save every life I can and come back, sir.” Indhu expresses her pride, stating, “I am proud of him being an army officer and me being an army wife.” A poignant moment captures Sivakarthikeyan’s character stating, “This is the face of the Indian army,” highlighting his unwavering determination.

Kamal Haasan, one of the film’s producers, shared the trailer on social media, stating, “Leaders seldom choose a trodden path. They create one where there is none and blaze a new trail. #MajorMukundVaradarajan of Tamil Nadu is one such leader. We take pride in telling his story.”

Inspired by the true events chronicled in Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh’s book “India’s Most Fearless”, Amaran serves as a tribute to a genuine hero. The trailer has been released in various languages, with notable personalities such as Nani promoting it in Telugu, Tovino Thomas in Malayalam, Shiva Rajkumar in Kannada, and Aamir Khan in Hindi.

The trailer concludes on an emotional note, featuring Major Mukund’s daughter asking Indhu, “You told me appa will come for my birthday, will he come?”

Directed by Rajkumar Periasamy and produced by the iconic Kamal Haasan, alongside R. Mahendran and Sony Pictures International Productions, Amaran poignantly tells the story of Major Mukund Varadarajan and his wife Indhu, encapsulating their journey of love, sacrifice, and the profound personal losses encountered during Major Varadarajan’s heroic service to the nation.

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.