Elaborate arrangements for Patel's anniversary, Indira Gandhi forgotten

A 'Run for Unity' and pledge taking will mark India's first home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary Oct 31, being observed as 'Rashtriya Ekta Divas'.

Nothing was, however, announced by government to observe the 30th death anniversary of prime minister Indira Gandhi, inviting criticism from the Congress.

The celebrations will start with a function at which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay floral tributes at his statue at Patel Chowk near Parliament House at 7.30 a.m.

The prime minister will then address the participants of 'Run for Unity' at Vijay Chowk at 7.40 a.m. and administer the Unity Pledge at 8.00 a.m. The 'Run for Unity' will be flagged off from Vijay Chowk to India Gate on Rajpath at 8.15 a.m.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh will attend a Run for Unity programme in Nampally, Hyderabad at 7.45 a.m.

The home minister will also attend the passing out parade of Indian Police Service officers at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad.

The Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who was recently sacked from the post of party spokesperson for joining Modi's Clean India Campaign, slammed the government for forgetting Indira Gandhi.

"Disgraceful that government is ignoring the martyrdom of our only prime minister who was killed in office in the line of duty. Oct 31 forgotten?" Tharoor said on micro blogging site Twitter.