The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will mark the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, popularly known as the Iron Man of India, on October 31 by organising “Run for Unity” events across Uttar Pradesh.
Sardar Patel, widely recognised as the architect of a united India, played a pivotal role in integrating 563 princely states into the Republic of India, ensuring national unity at the time of independence.
Speaking to reporters at the Circuit House on Saturday, AK Sharma, Urban Development and Energy Minister of the Uttar Pradesh government, said the Iron Man’s vision strengthened India from north to south and east to west.
“October 31 has been celebrated as National Unity Day for the past 11 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to honour Sardar Patel’s contribution,” Sharma stated.
He added that the BJP and the central and state governments are committed to realising Patel’s dream of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.” Sharma contrasted the ruling party’s efforts with opposition parties, accusing them of engaging in divisive politics.
The minister outlined plans for the “Run for Unity” across the state on October 31, followed by an 8- to 10-kilometre “Ekta Padyatra” in every assembly constituency from November 1-26.
Retired army personnel, farmers, labourers, BJP affiliates, NSS, NCC, and Scout Guides will participate. Participants will chant slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram,” with halts every two kilometres to interact with local communities and promote a message of unity.
Sharma said five representatives from each district will travel to Karamsad in Gujarat to join the march starting at Sardar Patel’s birthplace.
Two Yuva Morcha officials and three youth icons from each district will also participate. The national padyatra will cover 150 kilometres from Karamsad to the Statue of Unity.
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The Run for Unity events will feature participation from party workers, public representatives, athletes, youth, women, businessmen, teachers, advocates, farmers, and labourers. Tribute programmes will be held at all booths on October 31, with a portrait of Sardar Patel displayed.
Sharma further stated that programmes will be organised in schools and parks on October 31, including essay competitions, speech contests, rangoli competitions, and painting competitions, all highlighting the Iron Man’s life and legacy.
He emphasised that the initiative is not merely ceremonial, as full participation from booth-level workers to district officials will be ensured.
Present at the event were BJP Media Incharge Navratan Rathi, BJP Metropolitan and District Incharge MLC Arun Pathak, BJP District President and MLC Hansraj Vishwakarma, Metropolitan President Pradeep Agrahari, MLA T. Ram, Co-Media Incharge Santosh Solapurkar, Campaign District Coordinator Surendra Patel, Metropolitan Coordinator Madhukar Chitransh, and Jagdish Tripathi.
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