'Run For Unity': Kanpur BJP to invite all political parties

Kanpur, Oct 27: As part of the nation-wide celebrations for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary on October 31, BJP has decided to invite all political parties and members of civil society for 'Run for Unity'.

A decision has been taken to invite representatives from all political parties such as Congress, Samwajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Kanpur BJP district President Surendra Maithani said.

"We are inviting former Congress MP and Minister Shriprakash Jaiswal as well as local Congress, SP and BSP MLAs besides inviting members of civil society to keep the event above party politics," he said.

He said the party has also invited former Indian cricketer Gopal Sharma and former Uttar Pradesh Ranji Trophy Team captain Rahul Sapru apart from several professors and students of various educational institutions including IIT Kanpur.

The Modi government last week had declared October 31 as "Rashtriya Ekta Diwas" (National Unity Day) to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, continuing its policy of recasting the way national icons are to be commemorated.

"Since the event is aimed at forging national unity we are also extending invitations to religious leaders of all sects," Maithani said. Also, no BJP flags or banners will be displayed during the marathon, he added.

PTI