Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on National Unity Day, emphasizing the need for unity against groups he described as trying to weaken India for political gain. Speaking near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s statue in Gujarat, PM Modi urged citizens to recognize and resist these divisive elements, which he referred to as an “alliance of urban Naxals.”
“Countries may drift apart, but they draw closer to India. This new unity signals a historic shift,” he said, stressing India’s strength on the global stage. Honoring Sardar Patel, a champion of post-Independence national integration, PM Modi called for vigilance to safeguard this unity.
The Prime Minister highlighted threats posed by groups attempting to spread misinformation and create instability. “Certain forces, inside and outside India, are stirring unrest to mislead investors. They divide people along caste lines, undermining India’s strength and unity,” he remarked. PM Modi warned that such groups thrive on a “weak India” narrative and urged people to stand united against them.
Though PM Modi did not name specific parties, his comments hinted at the INDIA Opposition bloc, led by Congress. The Opposition’s current campaign for the upcoming elections focuses on a “save Constitution” message, with demands for a caste census to enhance job and education representation.
PM Modi further praised Sardar Patel’s vision, aligning it with his government’s unity-driven initiatives like the ‘one nation, one tax’ GST system and the removal of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. “Past governments’ divisive policies weakened our unity. Over the last decade, our governance model has eliminated discrimination and fostered trust in development,” he added.
Highlighting India’s ‘one nation’ approach, he listed initiatives like Aadhaar for identity, Ayushman Bharat for health insurance, and efforts toward unified elections and a civil code. “After 70 years, we have achieved a ‘one nation, one Constitution’ goal. This, I consider, a significant tribute to Sardar Patel,” PM Modi said, referring to the removal of Article 370, which has since allowed equal voting rights in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Prime Minister noted that National Unity Day marks the start of a two-year celebration of Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary. “Unity underpins economic growth and social harmony. To achieve a developed nation, unity is essential,” he concluded, urging the nation to stand together for social justice and progress.
