Efforts were made to forget Sardar Patel: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel will continue to inspire generations to come, and the 'Statue of Unity', is a message to the world that India's future is bright and nobody can break its unity and integrity.

Addressing a gathering at the world's tallest 'Statue of Unity' at Kevadia in Gujarat's Narmada district on the occasion of Sardar Patel's birth anniversary, Shah also targeted the opposition, saying efforts were made to forget the 'Iron Man of India'. Recalling Sardar Patel's contribution to unite India after independence, Shah said it was because of the former's effort that Lakshadweep could become an integral part of India.

"It is unfortunate that efforts were made to forget Sardar Saheb. After independence, his contributions were never given proper respect and place. He was neither conferred the Bharat Ratna (the country's highest civilian honour), nor proper respect. But it is said, how long can clouds keep the sun hidden," the home minister added. As the situation changed in the country, Sardar Patel received the Bharat Ratna, and the world's tallest statue, dedicated to Sardar Saheb, was also constructed to pay homage to him, he said.