Nehru denying free hand to Patel resulted in PoJK: Dr Jitendra
STATE TIMES NEWS
KATHUA: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Thursday flagged off the inaugural ‘Unity March-Ek Bharat, Akhand Bharat’ Padyatra in Kathua as part of a nationwide campaign commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The march began from Dream Land Park and culminated at Government Degree College, Kathua, with enthusiastic participation from students, NCC cadets, public representatives, and locals.
Addressing the gathering after the march, Dr. Jitendra said the Sardar@150 Unity March aims to instill a spirit of unity, patriotism, and duty among the youth.
He remarked that had Sardar Patel been given a free hand to handle Jammu and Kashmir like other princely states, the issue of Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) may never have arisen.
He said, the then PM Jawaharlal Nehru not allowing his Home Minister Patel to handle J&K the same way as was handling other princely States of the country led to the creation of PoJK. And when the Indian forces were about to retrieve the part of J&K captured by Pakistan, Nehru without consulting Patel or other cabinet colleagues, went to the radio and declared unilateral ceasefire, he added.
Dr. Singh hailed Sardar Patel as the architect of India’s political integration, crediting him for merging over 560 princely states into the Indian Union. He also paid tribute to Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, calling him another underappreciated patriot who laid down his life for Jammu & Kashmir’s full integration with India.
The Minister said the Unity March is inspired by Sardar Patel’s vision of a united India and aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). He added that the campaign will also raise awareness about Swachh Bharat, drug eradication, and the promotion of Swadeshi products.
Highlighting the scope of the initiative, Dr. Singh said the campaign began digitally on October 6 and is divided into two phases. From October 31 to November 25, district-level Padyatras of 8-10 km will take place, preceded by essay competitions, seminars on Patel’s life, and youth pledges for a Nasha Mukt Bharat and Proudly Swadeshi. The campaign will culminate in a historic march from Karamsad (Patel’s birthplace) to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia on November 26, Constitution Day.
Nodal Officer Bhushan Gupta shared that students, NCC/NSS cadets, and MY Bharat volunteers will walk together during the padyatras across Kathua, promoting the message of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat through yoga camps, debates, lectures, and community outreach activities.
