Congress MP Shashi Tharoor paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on Friday, marking the 150th birth anniversary of the nation’s first home minister and deputy prime minister. Widely revered as the ‘Iron Man of India’, Sardar Patel is celebrated for his pivotal role in the integration of princely states into the Indian Union after Independence. In his message, Tharoor cited the words of Gopalkrishna Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson, to highlight Patel’s enduring moral legacy.

Tharoor, taking to X, wrote: “Of the many tributes to #SardarPatel on his 150th birth anniversary, these lines by Gopalkrishna Gandhi resonated particularly: ‘If the Republic of India has a spine in its life, it comes from Ambedkar’s resolve. If it has a glow in its life, it comes from Nehru’s light. But if it has an inner monitor, it comes from the veracity of Patel’s noble soul.’”

The Thiruvananthapuram MP reflected on the unique synergy of India’s early leadership, saying, “India was blessed to have such a trio at the helm during those turbulent years. Pranaams to the Iron Man of India.” Tharoor’s remarks underscored Patel’s moral authority, which Gopalkrishna Gandhi termed the “inner monitor” of the nation—a guiding conscience for India’s governance and unity.

Congress leaders across the spectrum echoed Tharoor’s sentiment. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, paid his “humble respects” to Sardar Patel, emphasizing the leader’s role in weaving India into a cohesive nation. “By weaving India into a single thread, he laid a strong foundation for the unity and integrity of the nation. His indomitable courage, foresight, and ideals will forever guide us,” Gandhi posted on X.

Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge also honoured Sardar Patel’s legacy, noting that Nehru referred to him as the “Architect of India’s Unity.” Kharge highlighted Patel’s contributions to constitutional development, stating, “Sardar Saheb was the President of the Congress. The resolution on fundamental rights passed in the Karachi Congress under his leadership is the soul of the Indian Constitution.” He added that Patel’s ideas, emphasizing mutual harmony and brotherhood, remain integral to the Congress party’s ideology.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to Sardar Patel at the State of Unity in Nandia, Gujarat. Modi praised Patel’s extraordinary achievement in unifying over 550 princely states into the Indian Union, calling it an “impossible task” made possible through his leadership, negotiation skills, and vision.

During his remarks, PM Modi referenced Kashmir, asserting that Sardar Patel had envisioned its complete integration into India, but this was not achieved due to opposition from then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Modi said, “Sardar Patel wanted to unite the entire Kashmir, just as he did with other princely states. But Nehru ji stopped his wish from being fulfilled. Kashmir was divided, given a separate Constitution and a separate flag—and the nation suffered for decades because of Congress’ mistake.”

Modi added that India had paid a “heavy price” for this decision, as part of Kashmir came under Pakistan’s occupation, and criticized Congress policies as “weak” for bowing to terrorism and neglecting Patel’s vision. He concluded by asserting that the current government continues to uphold Patel’s vision of national unity and integrity.

The tributes from Tharoor, Rahul Gandhi, Kharge, and Modi highlight the continued reverence for Sardar Patel across political lines, though framed through contrasting narratives. While Congress leaders emphasised Patel’s ethical vision, constitutional foresight, and collaborative leadership with Nehru and Ambedkar, PM Modi focused on Patel’s decisive political actions and criticized historical Congress decisions on Kashmir.

Sardar Patel’s legacy continues to resonate across India, not only for his practical achievements in integrating princely states but also for his moral and administrative acumen. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, or National Unity Day, established by the Narendra Modi-led government in 2014, is celebrated annually on Patel’s birth anniversary to commemorate his contributions to national cohesion.

As India marked 150 years since Patel’s birth, political leaders used the occasion to reinforce his enduring influence on governance, nation-building, and constitutional values. Tharoor’s invocation of Gopalkrishna Gandhi’s tribute underscores Patel’s role as the “inner monitor” of India, while Modi’s remarks reflect a contemporary interpretation of Patel’s vision in the context of current national challenges. Rahul Gandhi and Kharge emphasized Patel’s integrationist policies and ethical foresight as foundational to the Indian Republic.

The day’s commemorations, therefore, served both as a remembrance of historical accomplishments and a reflection on the ongoing significance of Patel’s ideals in modern India. It highlighted the enduring relevance of his leadership in fostering unity, justice, and moral governance, resonating with citizens and leaders across the political spectrum.

In essence, the tributes on Patel’s 150th birth anniversary captured the multifaceted dimensions of his legacy: as the architect of India’s political unity, a moral compass in turbulent times, and a visionary who, alongside Ambedkar and Nehru, shaped the trajectory of the newly independent nation. Through these acknowledgements, Patel’s contributions continue to inspire discourse on leadership, nationhood, and constitutional values in India.