Centre declares Oct 31 as the 'National Unity Day'

New Delhi, Oct 31: Amid controversies regarding the marking of the death anniversary of Indira Gandhi and the birth anniversary of

, the Centre has declared this day as the 'National Unity Day' or the "Rashtriya Ekta Diwas".

Owing to his contribution as the first Home Minister of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth ceremony is in continuation with NDA's policy of commemorating national icons.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was the first Home Minister of India

The decision has come just a week after the Union Cabinet decided that the government will associate it with the birth and the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. In fact, the anniversaries of other leaders will be observed by respective trusts, parties or supporters.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Rajnath Singh has written to all the chief ministers to celebrate this day without fail. This was followed by a letter by Union Home Secretary Anil Goswami to all state Chief Secretaries for ensuring observance of the day at all levels.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already initiated the installing of the tallest monument in the world.

Meanwhile, Congress leaders criticize Modi's 'run for unity' movement saying that he should have been present at the samadhi of Indira Gandhi.

OneIndia News