SARDAR PATEL AT 150:

THE LONG TUG-OF-WAR OVER HIS MEMORY

- TDG NETWORK

The Statue of Unity's pedestal draws crowds for Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, Government ceremonies now tie Patel unmistakably to unity: on Ekta Diwas the Prime Minister hoists the national flag at the statue, and citizens recite a special "Ekta Shapath" (unity pledge) inspired by Patel's image.

On October 31, 2025 - Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 150th birthday - the Indian government rolled out the red carpet. Prime Minister Modi presided over wreath-laying at the Statue of Unity and a national "Unity Day" pledge, even as he unveiled a special Rs 150 coin and postage stamp in Patel's honour. Hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren joined flag-hoisting and pledge ceremonies, while officials from the President to Union Ministers spoke of the "Iron Man"s vision. President Murmu called Patel "a great patriot, visionary leader, and nation-builder" whose example should inspire unity. BJP leaders pointedly contrasted this with Congress's record - for example, Home Minister Amit Shah charged that Patel was long denied due respect (his Bharat Ratna came 41 years late) and only under Modi did India get a grand memorial to him. The BJP's official message hailed Patelas "the sentinel of India's unity, the architect of an undivided nation". Congress leaders also issued tributes - routine acknowledgements of his role as the "Iron Man" - but the tone was conciliatory, accusing no one and simply noting that "Sardar Patel ji's contribution to the country's indivisibility... will be remembered for centuries".