Modi flags off Run for Unity: The importance of Sardar Patel and 'nationalist' narrative for BJP in Gujarat

The memory of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is set to be evoked frequently in the days to come in Gujarat. The state polls on December 9 and 14

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday flaggedoff the ‘Run for Unity’ from the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, near India Gate.
Similar ‘runs’ have been organised across the country to mark the 142nd birth anniversary of India’s first home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

"Some people tried to ensure the contribution of Sardar Patel is forgotten," PM Modi said.

"We remember Sardar Patel on his birth anniversary. We are proud of his contribution to India before we attained freedom and during the early years after we became independent," he said at the Dhyan Chand stadium in the national capital before flagging