Patel Legacy at Centre of Jaipur Run and Political Clash
Jaipur, October 31: A programme titled 'Run for Unity' was held in Jaipur on Saturday to celebrate the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. While the event focused on national integrity, it also became a stage for political argument over how Patel's contribution has been remembered.
Congress faces criticism from Union Minister
Union Minister Prahlad Joshi said that Sardar Patel had made a historic contribution to uniting India, yet previous Congress governments did not give him the recognition he deserved. He argued that the party had tried to push Patel's legacy out of public memory by naming government schemes and institutions after members of the Gandhi family.
Joshi questioned the naming of government schemes after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. According to him, Sardar Patel's contribution has not received similar acknowledgment.
Role in forming Rajasthan
Joshi said Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's role in the formation of Rajasthan should always be remembered. He stated that Patel had played an important part in establishing 'Greater Rajasthan' on March 30, 1949, and that his vision and leadership had laid the foundation of an undivided India.
Said the government is pursuing unity and excellence
Joshi added that the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was advancing toward 'Shreshtha Bharat' while realising Patel's vision of 'Ek Bharat'. He described the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat, the tallest statue in the world, as a symbol of the nation's respect for Patel and its dedication to national unity.
Chief Minister urges youth to join nation-building
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma called Sardar Patel a symbol of national unity and integrity. He encouraged young people to contribute actively to nation-building and described the 'Run for Unity' as a pledge of patriotism and collective commitment rather than just a race.
He said the Modi government had taken several steps to introduce youth to Patel's ideals. Sharma pointed to My Bharat as a platform involving young people in nation-building, and said Startup India and the PM Mudra Yojana were turning job seekers into employment creators. He also referred to the role of Khelo India and Fit India in identifying sporting talent in villages and rural regions.
Employment numbers presented
Sharma said 410 examinations had been held transparently, which resulted in 1.93 lakh youth receiving government appointments. Recruitment for 1.18 lakh posts is underway, and more than 70,000 additional vacancies will be filled soon. He added that five lakh youth had found private sector jobs and 3.70 lakh had received skill training.
Under the Yuva Sambal Yojana, Rs 1,643 crore has been distributed among four lakh beneficiaries.
Mission Olympic 2028 launched
The Chief Minister announced 'Mission Olympic 2028' to provide Rajasthan's athletes with world-class facilities and training opportunities. A centre of excellence is being established at a cost of Rs 20 crore. In addition, 50 Khelo India centres have been set up across the state to promote sports and develop emerging talent.
Ceremony at Amar Jawan Jyoti
Earlier, at a ceremony held at Amar Jawan Jyoti in Jaipur, Prahlad Joshi and Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma jointly flagged off the 'Run for Unity'. Large numbers of youth and medal-winning athletes took part. The Chief Minister administered a pledge of national unity and urged participants to uphold unity, integrity and patriotism.