Modi’s Unity Day address connects Kashmir’s pain, Pakistan’s terror agenda to Congress’s past blunders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade on Friday to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the Iron Man of India. Addressing the nation, Modi paid rich tributes to Patel’s vision of unity and criticised the Congress party for what he called “historic blunders” in Kashmir that weakened India’s sovereignty.

‘Ekta Diwas is as significant as Independence Day and Republic Day,’ says PM Modi

Modi said that Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is not just an occasion of remembrance but a celebration of India’s unity and pride.
“Just as 140 crore Indians celebrate Independence Day and Republic Day, Ekta Diwas holds the same importance for us. It is a moment of pride and inspiration,” he said.


The Prime Minister noted that crores of citizens across the country took the Pledge of Unity today, reaffirming their commitment to national integrity and harmony.

‘Sardar Patel put India’s sovereignty first; later governments did not,’ says PM Modi

Paying tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Modi said that the freedom fighter prioritised India’s sovereignty above everything else and worked tirelessly to unify over 560 princely states.

However, he alleged that governments after Patel’s demise failed to uphold his ideals.

“On one hand, mistakes were made in Kashmir; on the other, the Northeast faced growing challenges. Meanwhile, Naxalism and Maoism spread across several regions. These were grave threats to India’s sovereignty. But instead of following Patel’s strong approach, the governments of that era chose a weak and directionless path,” Modi remarked.

‘Sardar Patel wanted Kashmir’s full integration, but Nehru stopped him,’ claims PM Modi

Modi said that many in today’s youth may not know that Patel was ready to ensure the complete merger of Jammu and Kashmir with India, just as he did with other princely states.

“However, Nehru did not allow his wish to be fulfilled,” Modi claimed. “As a result, Kashmir was given a separate Constitution and a distinct flag.”

The Prime Minister said that these political choices sowed the seeds of division and conflict, which had long-term consequences for the nation.

‘Congress’s mistake in Kashmir burned the nation for decades,’ says Modi

Continuing his attack on Congress, Modi said that the party’s weak policies allowed a part of Kashmir to fall under Pakistan’s illegal occupation.

“The mistake Congress made regarding Kashmir burned the nation for decades. Because of their weak approach, Pakistan was able to fuel terrorism and promote state-sponsored extremism. The entire nation paid a heavy price,” he said.

Modi added that despite facing repeated acts of terrorism, Congress continued to bow down before such forces instead of taking decisive action.

He urged citizens to pledge to remove every infiltrator from the country, emphasising the ongoing threat to national unity and internal security.

Government Action Against Naxalism and Maoism

Highlighting the fight against insurgency, Modi asserted that his government would continue its efforts to root out Naxalism and Maoism. Criticising Congress, he said the party inherited a “slave mentality” from the British and stressed that India is moving to eliminate every trace of colonial mindset.

“Every thought or action that weakens the unity of our nation must be shunned by every citizen. This is the need of the hour,” he said.

National Unity Day Parade Highlights

Before his address, PM Modi reviewed the National Unity Day parade, which showcased contingents from police and paramilitary forces. Notably, women officers commanded all contingents, including the BSF, CISF, ITBP, CRPF, SSB, and police units from multiple states.

Key attractions included:

• National Cadet Corps (NCC) contingents
• 16 BSF personnel awarded gallantry medals for Operation Sindoor
• Indian breed dogs, including the celebrated Mudhol hound Riya, demonstrating skills
• Rampur and Mudhol hounds performing alongside a spectacular Surya Kiran Air Force aerobatic show
• Motorcycle daredevilry by Assam Police
• Camel-mounted contingent and band by the BSF
• Ten tableaux from various states and union territories, including NSG and NDRF, emphasising unity in diversity

The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, formed in 1996, is one of the few nine-aircraft aerobatic teams in the world and the only one of its kind in Asia.