Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, launched a frontal attack on the country's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, claiming that he prevented the then Union Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, from fully integrating Kashmir into the Indian Union.
Addressing the national celebrations on the occasion of Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary, observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, at the Statue of Unity In Ekta Nagar, the PM said Nehru’s "mistake" led to decades of turmoil and bloodshed in the region.
"Many in today’s younger generation may not be aware that Sardar Patel wished for the complete integration of Kashmir just as he had successfully merged other princely states," Modi said. He said Sardar Patel believed one should not waste time writing history but should work hard to create it.
Modi said the Kashmir region was ultimately divided by a separate constitution and emblem, pointing out that the error "engulfed the nation in turmoil for decades".
The PM's address focused heavily on national unity and security, infiltration of illegal immigrants, contrasting the "steely resolve" of Patel with the approach of post-independence governments, which he accused of adopting "spineless" policies.
Modi also referred to Operation Sindoor, saying the world has witnessed that India will "strike within enemy territory" if challenged. He said Operation Sindoor sent out a strong message that the country would "never compromise on its security and honour" and that "this is the India of the Iron Man, Sardar Patel".
Taking on the Congress, the PM said, "Due to the Congress's weak policies, a part of Kashmir went under the illegal occupation of Pakistan, which then fuelled state-sponsored terrorism. Kashmir and the country paid a heavy price, yet the Congress always bowed down to terrorism. The Congress forgot Sardar Patel's vision, but we have not."
Modi also raised the issue of infiltrators, calling them a "grave threat" to national unity and the demographic balance. He blamed infiltration for disrupting India's demographic balance and said that for the first time, the country has decided to wage a decisive battle against this threat. “We will remove each and every infiltrator from our soil,” he added.
Highlighting Patel's success in accomplishing the "seemingly impossible task" of integrating over 550 princely states after Independence, Modi regretted that subsequent governments, following Patel’s demise, did not demonstrate the same commitment to national sovereignty. He said that due to "weak policies", a part of Kashmir fell under Pakistan's illegal occupation.
He drew a direct contrast between the past and his government's tenure, asserting that after 2014, the nation "once again witnessed a steely resolve inspired by Sardar Patel". "Today, Kashmir has broken free from the shackles of Article 370 and is fully integrated into the mainstream," the PM said adding that this move has made "Pakistan and the masterminds of terrorism" realise "the true strength of India".
Also read: PM pays homage to Sardar Patel on 150th birth anniversary
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