HP CM Sukhu greets residents on National Unity Day
Synopsis
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu extended National Unity Day greetings to all Himachal Pradesh residents on 31 October 2026, marking Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary and the spirit of national integration.
Key Takeaways
CM Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu posted National Unity Day greetings on behalf of the Himachal Pradesh government on 31 October 2026 .
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is observed annually on 31 October to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel , India's first Deputy Prime Minister.
The day was formally instituted by the central government in 2014 to honour Patel's role in integrating over 560 princely states into the Indian Union.
Himachal Pradesh has been governed by a Congress-led administration under CM Sukhu since December 2022 .
State governments across India observe the occasion with public ceremonies, Run for Unity events, and integrity pledges.
Every 31 October, India pauses to honour the man who stitched a fractured subcontinent into one nation — and Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh marked the occasion with warm wishes to every resident of the state on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2026.
Posting from the official Chief Minister's Office, Himachal Pradesh account on X, CM Sukhu conveyed: 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas ki sabhi pradeshwasiyon ko hardik shubhkamnayein' — 'Heartfelt greetings to all residents of the state on National Unity Day.'
Why 31 October carries weight
The date belongs to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, born on this day in 1875. Patel's singular achievement was the integration of more than 560 princely states into the Indian Union in the years immediately following independence — a feat that earned him the title 'Iron Man of India.' The central government institutionalised his birth anniversary as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) in 2014, anchoring it as a permanent fixture in the national calendar of remembrance.
Himachal Pradesh and the annual Unity Day tradition
For Himachal Pradesh — a northern hill state governed by a Congress-led administration since December 2022 — the day is part of a wider national rhythm of commemoration. State governments across India mark the occasion with public greetings, flag-hoisting ceremonies, and community events such as Run for Unity marathons and integrity-pledge drives. CM Sukhu's message follows that tradition, extending the spirit of unity beyond political boundaries to every household in the state.
Point of View
Participating visibly in Rashtriya Ekta Diwas allows it to signal civic solidarity without entering the sharper political debates around Patel's ideological ownership. The message carries no new policy content, but it reinforces the state government's participation in the broader national commemorative calendar. In a fragmented political environment, even formulaic unity-day greetings serve a quiet legitimising function for governing administrations.
NationPress
31 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rashtriya Ekta Diwas and why is it observed on 31 October?
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, or National Unity Day, is observed on 31 October every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel , who integrated India's princely states after independence. It was instituted by the central government in 2014 .
Who is Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu?
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh , serving since December 2022 as the leader of the Indian National Congress government in the state.
What did Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel do that makes him significant on National Unity Day?
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel served as India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister and is credited with integrating more than 560 princely states into the Indian Union after independence, earning the title 'Iron Man of India.'
How do Indian states typically mark National Unity Day?
State governments mark National Unity Day with public greetings from leaders, flag-hoisting ceremonies, Run for Unity marathons, and community integrity-pledge drives held on 31 October each year.
Which party governs Himachal Pradesh in 2026?
Himachal Pradesh is governed by the Indian National Congress party, led by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu since December 2022 .
