Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid rich tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 72nd death anniversary and recalled his contribution to shaping the new India.
Addressing a function organised by Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Smriti Samaroh Samiti here on Thursday the chief minister said: “Vallabhbhai Patel was a great freedom fighter. He was a key contributor to the creation of the Constitution when the country gained independence. He is known as an ‘Iron Man’ who, as a craftsman, provided what ought to be the shape of an independent India.”
Chief Minister Yogi also recalled Patel's role in bringing together and merging more than 563 princely states with India after Independence.
“There were many princely states which were in a state of deviation. Everyone is aware of the tricks played by the princely kingdoms of Hyderabad and Junagadh, but because of Sardar Patel's vision and determination, all the princely states peacefully merged into India. Its social credit goes only to Sardar Patel,” he said.
The chief minister stated that Sardar Patel played a significant role in creating a new India, saying, "Sardar Patel carried forward the work of bringing reforms to agriculture, livestock, education, and lives of farmers immediately after independence.”
The chief minister concluded by saying, “I pay homage to him by honouring his memory. His work for the unity and integrity of India will continue to inspire the present and future generations.”
Mayor Samyukta Bhatia, president of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Smriti Samaroh Samiti, Rajeshwari Devi Verma, MLA Shashank Verma, Ashish Singh Ashu, Legislative Council member Avneesh Singh and many dignitaries were present on the occasion.