Mamata Banerjee remembers Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today remembered the country's first home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his death anniversary.

"Solemnly remembering the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his death anniversary," Banerjee said in a tweet.

Patel, who was also the first deputy prime minister of India, died on December 15, 1950 three years after Independence at the age of 75.

Known as the "Iron Man" of India, Patel was instrumental in uniting the country through the merger of small princely states.