Politics1 min read

'You're damaging his image': Congress counters Amit Shah's 'sideline Patel' charge

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The exchange was triggered during National Unity Day events when the Union Home Minister asserted that past administrations failed to grant the former deputy prime minister proper national recognition. Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid maintained that the party has consistently honored Patel's integration efforts and accused rivals of harming the leader's standing. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the day by paying floral tributes to Patel at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat.

Key points

  • Congress firmly rejected the ruling party's accusations regarding the historical neglect…: Congress firmly rejected the ruling party's accusations regarding the historical neglect of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
  • The Union Home Minister credited Narendra Modi with properly recognizing Patel by buildin…: The Union Home Minister credited Narendra Modi with properly recognizing Patel by building the Statue of Unity in Gujarat.
  • Patel's nationwide anniversary continues to serve as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas to commemorate…: Patel's nationwide anniversary continues to serve as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas to commemorate his integration of princely states.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Khurshid said the party accorded Patel the respect he deserved

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Saturday hit back at Union home minister Amit Shah over his allegation that the party had "consistently attempted to sideline and forget Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel", saying such remarks only damaged the image of the country's first deputy prime minister.Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid said the party accorded Patel the respect he deserved and acknowledged his contribution to the country's national integration."We maintain that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel deserves as much respect as any other great leader; we fully acknowledge his contributions. We are deeply committed to the vision, words, and actions of Sardar Patel, just as he himself intended," Khurshid said.Questioning Shah's remarks, he added, "Given this, why do they make such statements? By saying such things, they are only damaging his image and diminishing the respect he commands. It is truly incomprehensible why they choose to make such remarks."Earlier in the day, addressing an 'Ekta Run' event in New Delhi on Patel's 151st birth anniversary, Shah accused the Congress of failing to give the leader…

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