Narendra Modi Govt will remember Sardar Patel not Indira on Oct 31

New Delhi, Oct 29: In yet another sign of change from the Narendra Modi government, the Centre has allegedly decided not to commemorate any other anniversaries except that of Mahatma Gandhi's and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's.

The Modi government has declared October 31 as "Rashtriya Ekta Diwas" (National Unity Day) to mark the birth anniversary of country's first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, continuing its policy of recasting the way national icons are to be commemorated.

Former PM Indira Gandhi's death anniversary, will be recast as National Unity Day, as a celebration of Sardar Vallabbhai Patel's birth anniversary.

The Narendra Modi government is now trying to bring all the unsung names into picture which was earlier confined only to the Nehru and Gandhi's.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi as Gujarat Chief Minister had already launched an initiative to install the tallest iron statue in the world in honour of Patel, a Congress legend who hailed from Gujarat, in Narmada river.

For this the Narendra Modi Government had also come under attack from Congress and other parties as they said that "the Modi government was trying to appropriate Congress icons."

As per a TOI report, "Public broadcaster Doordarshan has planned a series of programmes, including coverage of celebrations at Patel's village Karamsad in Gujarat for which an editorial team has been sent and a half-an-hour documentary tracing the life of the 'Lau Purush' (Iron Man). "

In an official statement, the Home Ministry said the occasion will provide an opportunity to re-affirm the inherent strength and resilience of "our nation to withstand the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity and security of our country".

On October 31, besides the series of programmes on Doordarshan, advertisements in print, electronic and social media will also be carried to remember the legend.

(With inputs from agencies)

OneIndia News