‘Bharat Ghar Mein Ghus Kar Maarta Hai, This Is the India of Sardar Patel’: PM Modi at Ekta Diwas

New Delhi — Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from the Statue of Unity in Gujarat on the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, said that the world has now witnessed a new, assertive India — one that does not hesitate to strike back when provoked.

Referring to ‘Operation Sindoor’, PM Modi declared:

“The entire world saw that if anyone dares to raise an eye towards India, Bharat ghar mein ghus kar maarta hai (India enters the enemy’s territory to strike back with force). Every time, India’s response is bigger and more decisive than before. This is the India of Sardar Patel — a nation that never compromises on its security or dignity.”

The Prime Minister was speaking during Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) celebrations at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, paying tribute to Sardar Patel’s legacy as the architect of modern, united India.

PM Modi said that after 2014, the nation once again witnessed “the iron will and inspirational strength” of Sardar Patel’s ideals.

“Today, Kashmir is fully integrated with the mainstream, free from the shackles of Article 370. Even Pakistan and the patrons of terrorism have realised India’s true strength,” he said.

The Prime Minister took a sharp dig at the Congress, accusing it of neglecting Patel’s vision of sovereignty and national integrity.

“Sardar Patel gave top priority to sovereignty. But after his death, the governments of that era failed to show the same seriousness. Mistakes in handling Kashmir, the rise of Naxalism, and unrest in the Northeast were all results of that weakness,” he said.

PM Modi alleged that Jawaharlal Nehru had blocked Patel’s vision for Kashmir’s complete integration.

“Kashmir was divided with a separate constitution and a separate flag. The country burned for decades because of Congress’ mistakes. Their weak policies allowed part of Kashmir to fall under Pakistan’s illegal occupation. Congress forgot Sardar Saheb’s vision — but we did not,” he said.

Highlighting recent security measures, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his government’s resolve to protect India’s borders and internal stability.

“For decades, foreign infiltrators entered our land, consumed our resources, and disturbed our demographic balance. Earlier governments ignored this for vote-bank politics. For the first time, India is taking a firm and decisive stand to protect its integrity,” he said.

He also criticised those opposing the government’s Demography Mission, saying they were “putting self-interest above the nation” by defending infiltrators for political gain.

PM Modi paid tribute to India’s police and security forces, saying that his government has restored their honour by recognising their sacrifices.

“It is our government that built the National Police Memorial to honour our martyrs. Standing before Sardar Patel, I salute all our police personnel for their courage and dedication. By removing traces of colonial mentality and honouring our protectors, we are strengthening national pride,” he said.

Speaking on India’s cultural unity, the Prime Minister said that the country’s strength lies in its shared heritage and spiritual traditions.

“The first pillar of unity is cultural unity. Our culture has kept us together for thousands of years. The 12 Jyotirlingas, Shaktipeeths, Char Dham, and countless pilgrimages are spiritual energies that bind India as one nation,” he said.

PM Modi cited initiatives such as the Saurashtra Tamil Sangam and Kashi Tamil Sangam as examples of connecting regions through shared heritage.

“These cultural exchanges revive ancient bonds that strengthen our national fabric. Similarly, International Yoga Day has given a new global identity to India’s spiritual heritage — Yoga has become a bridge connecting the world,” he noted.

Before his address, PM Modi offered floral tributes to Sardar Patel at the 182-metre-tall Statue of Unity — the world’s tallest statue — and administered the Ekta Diwas pledge, reaffirming India’s commitment to unity, integrity, and national security.

With inputs from IANS