CM recalls Sardar Patel’s role in integrating princely states

Tribune News Service

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Shimla, October 31

The contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the integration of princely states was immense and it was due to his farsightedness and visionary leadership that India became a sovereign nation.

This was stated by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while addressing a gathering on The Ridge here on Wednesday on the occasion of National Unity Day to commemorate the 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Thakur said as the first Deputy Prime Minister and the Home Minister, Sardar Patel played a key role in the integration of 562 princely states into the Indian federation.

“During the 1946 elections for the Congress presidency, 12 out of 15 Congress committees nominated Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, but he stepped down in favour of Jawaharlal Nehru on the request of Mahatma Gandhi,” Thakur added.

He said as a mark of respect, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday unveiled an imposing 182-metre statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel near Sardar Sarovar Dam at Kevariya village in Narmada district of Gujarat. The statue was not only a true tribute to Sardar Patel, but would also emerge as a major tourist destination in the country. he added.

The Chief Minister said he was fortunate enough to be associated with this historic monument for which he collected iron from all 3,243 gram panchayats of Himachal for constructing this statue.

Earlier, the Chief Minister flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’ from Ambedkar Chowk. He also gave away prizes to the winners of an inter-school debate and essay competition organised by the district administration.