The Indian National Congress on Sunday paid homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the occasion of his birthday with Rahul Gandhi using the occasion to make several veiled jibes against the Central government in his tributes to India's first Home Minister.
"Today when all the pillars of our democracy are being weakened, we have to remember the contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He was also an important voice among the Congress leaders who built these pillars. Protecting democracy is the true tribute to Sardar Patel," Gandhi said.
Priyanka Gandhi also paid tribute to Patel, calling him as India's 'Iron Man', and reminding India of his commitment to farmer's rights at a time when farmers were facing various issues such as the violence at Lakhimpur Kheri and protests against the Center-backed farm laws.
"His struggle inspires us to stand like a rock in the fight for justice against the oppression of the farmers and for the rights of the farmers," she tweeted. The Centre observes October 31 as a day to foster and reinforce the government's dedication to preserve and strengthen the unity, integrity and security of the nation by celebrating it as the "Rashtriya Ekta Diwas" or "National Unity Day" to commemorate Patel's birth anniversary.
Sunday also marks the 37th death anniversary of Indira Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi declared his grandmother and former Prime Minister of India as a 'martyr' and a great example of 'woman power' in India. The Congress Party paid it's respects to India's 'Iron Lady' who they said represented strength, sacrifice and service.
Rahul Gandhi also visited Shakti Sthal to pay respects to the deceased Indira Gandhi this morning. Indira Gandhi served as the first and only woman prime minister of India from January 1966 to March 1977 and again from January 1980 until her assassination in October 1984. She was assassinated on October 31, 1984, by two of her security guards at her official residence at Akbar Road.