NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday issued a stern warning about threats to India’s unity by both external and internal forces that he said seek to sow division and undermine the country’s progress.
Speaking near the Statue of Unity in Gujarat’s Narmada district, he alleged that these forces challenge India’s developmental goals.
“Some forces in and outside India are trying to destabilise the country and spread anarchy to create a negative image of the nation in the world. They are trying to divide the country on caste lines and are against a developed India,” PM Modi said in his address.
He urged the people of the country to identify this nexus of “urban Naxals” which he said is trying to break the country. “As Naxalism is ending in jungles, a new model of urban Naxals is raising its head. Today urban Naxals target even those who say that you will remain safe if you remain united. We have to identify urban Naxals and unmask them,” he said.
Moving towards ‘one nation, one secular civil code’
Speaking after honoring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary, PM Modi expressed commitment to implementing ‘one nation, one election’. He also highlighted that implementing a secular civil code—referred by him as ‘one nation, one civil code that is a secular civil code’—was also a major priority.
“We are now working towards one nation, one election, which will strengthen India’s democracy, give optimum outcome of India’s resources and the country will gain new momentum in achieving the dream of a developed India. Today, India is moving towards one nation, one civil code that is a secular civil code,” PM Modi said.
Reflecting on the achievements of the past decade, PM Modi attributed these advancements to a focus on national unity, calling this period one of “unprecedented achievements for India’s unity.”
Honoring
Marking the start of Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary celebration, PM Modi announced that India would honor Patel’s contributions to national unity over the next two years. He said that government initiatives would reflect Patel’s vision, noting that Patel’s efforts to integrate hundreds of princely states post-independence were crucial to the creation of a united India.
When India gained independence, some people in the world estimated that India would disintegrate. They had no hope that a united India could be created by uniting hundreds of princely states, but Sardar Sahib did it.” PM Modi said.
Fulfillment of ‘one nation, one constitution’
Prime Minister Modi linked Patel’s ideals to the repeal of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, stating it was a major step towards a unified national framework. He described this change as “a fulfillment of one country, one constitution,” a tribute to both Patel and Baba Saheb Ambedkar.
PM Modi added, “Today the whole country is happy that after seven decades of independence, the resolution of one country and one constitution has been fulfilled. This is my biggest tribute to Sardar Saheb. For 70 years, Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s Constitution was not implemented in the entire country. Those who chant the name of the Constitution had insulted it so much. The reason was the wall of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370 has been buried forever.”
‘People of J&K have rejected separatism and terrorism,’ says PM Modi
The Prime Minister praised the people of Jammu and Kashmir for embracing Indian democracy and moving beyond separatism and terrorism. He expressed his gratitude to the citizens of the region for rejecting divisive forces and reinforcing India’s unity.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir have rejected the age-old agenda of separatism and terrorism. They have made the Constitution of India, the democracy of India victorious. They have put an end to the propaganda going on for 70 years with their votes. Today, on National Unity Day, I salute the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” PM Modi said.
National Unity Day, observed annually on October 31, honors the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Since 2014, the day has been marked by nationwide ‘Run for Unity’ events. Known for uniting India’s 562 princely states, Patel remains a symbol of India’s unity, passing away in 1950 after shaping the nation as its first deputy Prime Minister.