Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel by laying floral tributes at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, celebrating his 149th birth anniversary. This event was part of the annual Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations held every October 31 in memory of Patel. PM Modi is currently visiting Gujarat for two days. During the speech PM Modi reaffirmed the government’s initiative for One Nation One Election which seeks to align all elections across the country.
#WATCH | On 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas', Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "…We are now working towards One Nation One Election, which will strengthen India's democracy, give optimum outcome of India's resources and the country will gain new momentum in achieving the dream of a… pic.twitter.com/vUku6ZCnVv
---Advertisement---— ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2024
Unity and the Festival of Diwali
At the Unity Parade Ground in Kevadia, PM Modi highlighted a unique coincidence: this year, National Unity Day coincides with the festival of Deepawali. He remarked that Diwali not only “illuminates the country” but also connects India to the world. His comments followed U.S. President Joe Biden’s Diwali celebration at the White House the previous day, which was attended by over 600 distinguished Indian-Americans.
Also Read: Delhi Shrouded In Smog, Air Quality Hits ‘Very Poor’ On Diwali
Advancing ‘One Nation, One Election’
PM Modi reiterated the government’s plan for ‘One Nation, One Election,’ which aims to synchronize all elections in the country either on a single day or within a specific time frame. He confirmed that this proposal, cleared by the cabinet earlier this year, will be introduced in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. Modi emphasized that this initiative would strengthen India’s democracy, maximize resource utilization, and propel the nation toward achieving the vision of a developed India.
Permanent Abrogation of Article 370
The Prime Minister also discussed the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, stating that it has been “buried forever.” He criticized the opposition, asserting that those who speak about the Constitution often disrespect it the most. Modi expressed that the goal of a unified Constitution for the country was finally achieved 70 years after India’s independence. He referred to the long-delayed implementation of Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s Constitution and pointed out that Article 370 had previously obstructed this fulfillment.
In summary, PM Modi’s tributes and statements during the celebrations underscore his government’s commitment to national unity, democratic reforms, and honoring the legacy of India’s founding leaders.
Also Read: PM Narendra Modi Honors Sardar Patel In Gujarat, Joins Unity Day Parade
