Kejriwal pays tribute to Sardar Patel on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas
Synopsis
AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas honoured Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, calling him the incomparable architect of modern India who united over 500 princely states. Kejriwal said Patel's courage and patriotism will continue to inspire generations to serve the nation.
Key Takeaways
AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal posted a Hindi tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary, 31 October 2026 .
Kejriwal called Patel the 'architect of modern India' and the Loh Purush (Iron Man), stating no equal hero has been born in the country.
Sardar Patel served as India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister and integrated more than 500 princely states into the Union of India after 1947.
The Government of India has observed 31 October as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas since 2014 to honour Patel's role in national integration.
Annual commemorations are held at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat , the world's tallest statue at 182 metres .
On the birth anniversary of the man who stitched a fractured subcontinent into a single republic, AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday, 31 October 2026 paid his respects to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, hailing him as a hero without equal in Indian history.
Posting in Hindi, Kejriwal wrote: 'आधुनिक भारत के शिल्पकार, पूरे देश को एक करने वाले, लौह पुरुष सरदार वल्लभभाई पटेल जी की जयंती पर उन्हें सादर नमन।' — 'Humble salutations to the architect of modern India, the one who united the entire nation, the Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, on his birth anniversary.' He added that Patel's contribution to building an undivided India is 'incomparable' and that 'no other hero like him has been born in this country.'
The Iron Man's unfinished brief that shaped a nation
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, born on 31 October 1875, served as India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister after independence. In that role he oversaw one of the most consequential administrative feats in modern history: the integration of more than 500 princely states into the Union of India, a process completed in a matter of months through a combination of diplomacy, persuasion, and firm resolve. The title Loh Purush — Iron Man — was not honorary; it was earned in the crucible of a fragile new republic's survival.Rashtriya Ekta Diwas: a date that carries deliberate weight
Since 2014, the Government of India has observed 31 October as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas — National Unity Day — in Patel's honour. Annual commemorations at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat's Narmada district, the world's tallest statue standing at 182 metres, have become the centrepiece of the day's events. Kejriwal's tribute lands squarely within a broader political tradition: leaders across the spectrum mark this date with public homage, keeping Patel's legacy of unity at the front of national discourse once a year. Kejriwal closed his message with a forward-looking note — that Patel's patriotism, struggle, and 'indomitable courage will always inspire the citizens of this country to serve the nation.' The kicker writes itself: fifty-one years after independence, the most potent argument for national cohesion still carries Patel's name.Point of View
Where political leaders compete in invoking Patel's legacy of unity — a legacy that carries particular resonance in an era of sharp ideological polarisation. For AAP, aligning with the Patel narrative signals a claim to mainstream nationalist sentiment beyond its urban governance identity. The annual cadence of such tributes also reflects how post-independence icons have become shared symbolic capital, invoked by governments and opposition alike to legitimise their own visions of nationhood. Whether that symbolism translates into policy commitment to unity and integration remains the perennial question the day asks of every leader who posts a tribute.
NationPress
31 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 31 October celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas?
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas , or National Unity Day, is observed on 31 October every year to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel . The Government of India instituted this observance in 2014 to honour Patel's pivotal role in integrating more than 500 princely states into the Union of India.
What did Arvind Kejriwal say about Sardar Patel on his birth anniversary 2026?
AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal called Sardar Patel the 'architect of modern India' and the Loh Purush (Iron Man), saying his contribution to building an undivided India is 'incomparable' and that 'no other hero like him has been born in this country.' He added that Patel's patriotism and courage will always inspire Indians to serve the nation.
How many princely states did Sardar Patel integrate into India?
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel , serving as India's first Home Minister , oversaw the integration of more than 500 princely states into the Union of India following independence in 1947, completing the process in a remarkably short period through diplomacy and firm resolve.
Where is the Statue of Unity and why is it significant on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas?
The Statue of Unity is located in Narmada district, Gujarat , and at 182 metres it is the world's tallest statue. Built as a tribute to Sardar Patel , it serves as the centrepiece for Rashtriya Ekta Diwas commemorations held every 31 October .
Which party does Arvind Kejriwal lead?
Arvind Kejriwal is the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and is a former Chief Minister of Delhi.
