Venkaiah Naidu recalls Sardar Patel's role in freedom struggle

Parliamentary Affairs Ministers M. Venkaiah Naidu, who inaugurated a large size bronze statue of Sardar Patel here on Saturday, remembered his contribution to the country's freedom struggle.

"Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel rendered yeomen contribution to the freedom struggle of the country and for its unification after Independence, but justice was not done to Sardar Patel during his life time and even later," said Naidu.

Giving an account of Sardar Patel's eminence and his contributions, he said, "Being an ardent follower of Mahatma Gandhi, despite huge following and support in the Congress Party, Sardar Patel agreed to work under the leadership of Pandit Jawaharalal Nehru, as per the wishes of Gandhiji and this was a great sacrifice in the national interest."

He said that Patel was an eminent barrister, who gave up his practice to join freedom struggle.

'With the interests of the nation uppermost in his mind, Sardar Patel who emerged as an eminent leader in his own right, worked with Pandit Nehru for over 30 years, under the leadership of Gandhiji," said Naidu.

"His contribution as the Home Minister to the unification of the country and putting in place well organized civil services were evidence of his great vision and capacity to act decisively in testing times," he added.

"However, Sardar Patel was denied justice during his life time and even after his death. Sardar Patel was honoured with Bharat Ratna, 41 years after his death, while it could have been much earlier," said Naidu.

He also observed that several great leaders made significant contributions to the freedom struggle and after, and all of them should be regarded equally and their legacies should be promoted without any discrimination.