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 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.