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.