Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel made India a strong country. After independence, he merged over 500 princely states in the Union of India. Chouhan addressed 'Run for Unity' programme marking National Unity Day here on Saturday. Chouhan paid floral tributes at statue of Sardar Patel.
The Chief Minister said that Sardar Patel played important role in freedom movement. This is the day to take pledge for extreme sacrifices for country's unity and integrity. A country is built through hard work of its people. Now is the time to live for the country. He paid tributes to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary. The Chief Minister administered National Unity Day pledge. Mayor Alok Sharma, MP Alok Sanjar, MP and State BJP President Nand Kumar Singh Chouhan, Municipal Corporation Speaker Surjeet Singh Chouhan, MlAs Rameshwar Sharma and Vishnu Khatri, Chief Secretary Anthony DeSa and large number of students, officers and employees were present on the occasion.