Bengaluru, Oct 31 (NationPress) To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of the esteemed freedom fighter and former Union Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held an "Ekata Nadige" (Unity March) near the party’s state headquarters, Jagannath Bhavan, in Bengaluru.

Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje, while addressing the crowd, emphasized Sardar Patel’s unparalleled contribution to the unification of India. "Why do we have to conduct a Unity March in the name of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel? There is a calculated effort to marginalize those who fought for this nation's unity and integrity," she remarked.

She accused certain factions of humiliating Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and orchestrating his electoral defeats. "The ‘Iron Man of India’, Sardar Patel, had his recommendations disregarded, resulting in the partition of the country. While leaders were preoccupied with power, it was Patel who took on the formidable task of integrating regions like Kashmir and Hyderabad into a singular nation," Shobha asserted.

Highlighting the importance of recognizing national icons, she stated, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensured that Parliament devoted three days to discussing Ambedkar’s contributions, raising awareness of his work nationwide. Contrarily, the Congress exploits the legacies of distinguished leaders like Ambedkar and Patel solely to sow division among communities."

Shobha further claimed that "certain elements" mislead the youth through drug proliferation near educational institutions. "This Unity March transcends national integration; it aims to foster a drug-free India and instill patriotism among our youth," she added.

BJP leaders, including MP P.C. Mohan, State Secretary Vinay Bidare, and other party members, actively participated in the march.

In a related initiative, the Shikaripura unit of the BJP conducted a "National Unity Walk for Aatmanirbhar Bharat" under the guidance of BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra. This program, part of the nationwide "Ekata Nadige" campaign under the motto "One India – Aatmanirbhar Bharat", commenced with floral tributes at the martyr’s memorial in Basaveshwara Park, Shikaripura. Tributes were paid to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of India, for his invaluable role in the nation's unity, integrity, and solidarity.