Against the backdrop of heightened tensions with Pakistan, the Centre has asked all Chief Ministers and Union Ministers to observe in a "befitting manner" the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on October 31, which is marked as the 'National Unity Day'.
In a communication to Chief Ministers and Union Ministers, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said October 31 is being observed all over the country as a day of special occasion to foster and reinforce the dedication to preserve and strengthen unity, integrity and security of the nation by celebrating it as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' (National Unity Day).
"The occasion provides us an opportunity to reaffirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity and security of the country. I therefore, request you to give appropriate directions and guidance to all concerned so that Rashtriya Ekta Diwas could be organised and celebrated in a befitting manner," he said in the letter.
The Home Minister also suggested that a 'Run for Unity' should also be organised at the state/district headquarters involving people from all sections of the society, so that a message of national unity permeates to every part of the nation and the society.
The NDA dispensation, since coming to power, has been celebrating Sardar Patel's birth anniversary as National Unity Day with Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagging off the 'Run for Unity' campaign here.
Incidentally, October 31 happens to be the death anniversary of Indira Gandhi and the Congress-led UPA Government used to commemorate her death anniversary with wide media publicity and events. The Congress has termed as "disgusting" and "petty-minded" the way the Modi government marked the death anniversary of Indira Gandhi so far.