New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation on National Unity Day at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, strongly criticized the Congress party and former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for decisions he said weakened India’s unity and prolonged the Kashmir issue. The day marked the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, remembered for his pivotal role in uniting the princely states after Independence.
Modi said that while Patel envisioned the full integration of Kashmir into India, Nehru’s approach prevented that vision from being realized. He added that this decision led to decades of challenges for the country and allowed a part of Kashmir to fall under Pakistan’s illegal occupation.
Reflecting on the years following Independence, Modi recalled that more than 560 princely states had to decide whether to join India, Pakistan, or remain independent. He credited Patel and his secretary, VP Menon, for uniting almost all of them through negotiation and resolve. However, he said that the Congress leadership’s missteps in handling Kashmir left a lasting scar.
The Prime Minister further accused Congress of continuing colonial policies, claiming the party had adopted a mindset shaped by British influence. He said that decisions such as censoring parts of the national song Vande Mataram on religious grounds sowed the seeds of division and contributed to Partition.
Modi asserted that Congress’s compromises and divisive politics went against the spirit of national unity championed by Patel. He emphasized that the mistakes made during that period caused immense suffering and hindered India’s progress for decades.
Calling for a renewed commitment to unity and integrity, the Prime Minister urged citizens to draw inspiration from Patel’s leadership and vision of a strong, united India.
