Vallabhbhai Patel would never have let go of PoK: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Applauding India's first home minister Sardar Vallabhai Patel for his valuable contribution in keeping the nation united on National Unity Day, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK) would have been a part of India if the 'Iron Man' of India had the power to deal with Jammu and Kashmir.

"Vallabhai Patel played an implant role in incorporating princely states into the nation. If there is anyone who should be lauded for, it should be Vallabhai Patel. The nation is indebted to him. If he had the power to deal with Jammu and Kashmir back then, surely PoK would have been part of India today. That is why our government and Prime Minister Modi decided to celebrate his memorial as National Unity Day," Chouhan told reporters here.

Today, India is observing Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on the occasion of the 141st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The theme this year is Integration of India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the nation in paying tributes to the 'Unifier of India' at Patel Statue and later in the Parliament.

Remembering the contribution of the 'Iron man' of India, Prime Minister Modi on Sunday urged the nation to promote unity and equality among all.

"Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel worked to bring everyone together, he worked for unity, fought for unity and brought unity among the people. We also have to forget about all our customs and traditions and treat a girl and a boy equally, and we are moving fast," said Prime Minster Modi while addressing the nation in the 25th edition of his ' Mann Ki Baat' radio programme.

"We should take a positive step towards it and work to promote equality in the society. But on one Sardar's birthday, history remembers how the Sikhs and 'sardars' all over the country faced violence and pain, which is why we all need to learn that we all must unite and work towards unity rather than allowing divisiveness to spread," he added.