BJP national president and Union health minister JP Nadda launched a sharp attack on the Congress party during his visit to Vadodara on Saturday, accusing the opposition of systematically attempting to erase Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel from India's historical narrative.
Political Clash Over Historical Legacy
Addressing a significant gathering in the Atladara area as part of the 'Sardar@150 Unity March', Nadda did not mince words while criticizing the Congress party's approach toward one of India's most respected freedom fighters. The BJP leader questioned the Congress's commitment to preserving Sardar Patel's memory and raised doubts about their stance on the construction of the Statue of Unity.
Nadda specifically targeted India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru regarding the Kashmir issue, while highlighting that Sardar Patel successfully integrated 562 princely states into the Indian union following independence. He emphasized Patel's crucial role in shaping modern India's geographical integrity.
Delayed Recognition and Political Digs
In a pointed criticism that drew strong reactions from the audience, Nadda noted that while Sardar Patel passed away in 1950, the Bharat Ratna was only conferred upon him in 1991, suggesting deliberate neglect by the Congress-led governments over decades.
The Union minister drew parallels between Sardar Patel's vision and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's current leadership, stating that PM Modi is fulfilling Patel's dream of a truly united India. He specifically mentioned the abrogation of Article 370 as a landmark achievement that completed the integration process started by Patel.
Remembering Sardar Patel's Contributions
Nadda elaborated on Patel's active participation in India's freedom struggle, recalling how his agitations for farmers against the British in Kheda and Bardoli earned him the title of 'Sardar'. He also highlighted Patel's role as chairman of the Ahmedabad civic body during British rule, when he installed the idol of Lokmanya Tilak in Victoria Garden.
"He was a man of few words, but his actions spoke," Nadda remarked, capturing the essence of Patel's leadership style that emphasized work over rhetoric.
High-Profile Participation and Incident
The Unity March saw participation from several Union ministers throughout Saturday, including:
- Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal
- Union shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal
- Union minister for social justice and empowerment Virendra Kumar
- Minister of state for railways Ravneet Singh Bittu
Union minister for labour and employment as well as sports and youth affairs Mansukh Mandaviya oversaw the march operations. Gujarat BJP president Jagdish Vishwakarma also joined the event and addressed the gathering at Atladara.
During the event, a security guard near the stage collapsed while central ministers and senior BJP members were on the dais. A city police official confirmed that the guard was accompanying a minister and belonged to a central armed police force. The official clarified that the guard experienced only temporary discomfort, likely due to dehydration or exhaustion.
The political rally in Vadodara has intensified the ongoing debate about historical legacy and recognition of freedom fighters, setting the stage for further political discussions around national icons and their appropriate place in India's historical consciousness.
