'Fight Casteism & Jinnahism': CM Yogi Slams Opposition on National Unity Day
Marking the 151st birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on National Unity Day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led state celebrations at Patel Park, GPO in Lucknow on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Addressing an assembly of senior ministers, legislators, and citizens, the Chief Minister paid homage to the Iron Man of India and unveiled a statewide industrial roadmap aimed at transforming youth employment. He noted that since 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, October 31 has united the country under the banner of "Rashtriya Ekta Diwas." To commemorate the milestone 150th birth centenary year of the founding father, the double-engine government officially established the "Sardar Patel Employment and Industrial Zone" network across every district of Uttar Pradesh, ensuring modern skill development infrastructure so that no young person in the state is left without technical capability or economic livelihood.
Casteism, Jinnahism, and Institutional Attacks: Yogi Condemns Divisive Narratives
In a sharp political address, Chief Minister Yogi issued a stern warning against elements attempting to fracture social harmony, declaring that society must wage a united battle against "casteism and Jinnahism." He asserted that individuals who idolize Muhammad Ali Jinnah can never claim to be ideological followers of Sardar Patel, underscoring that authentic allegiance to the Iron Man requires placing national unity, territorial integrity, and constitutional sovereignty above narrow political gains. Directly condemning attempts to drag constitutional bodies into political controversy, the Chief Minister warned that dividing citizens along lines of caste, region, or dialect weakens the collective resilience of the country. Drawing a biological parallel, he cautioned that when social immunity breaks down due to internal fractures, nations become vulnerable to external aggressors, calling on citizens to draw inspiration from Sardar Patel’s life to defend the nation's integrity against ongoing subversive narratives.
Princely Integrations vs. Kashmir Crisis: How Modi and Shah Realized Patel's Vision
Reflecting on Sardar Patel’s historic integration of more than 563 princely states into the Indian Union, the Chief Minister recalled his origins in Karamsad near Nadiad, Gujarat, and noted how the monumental Statue of Unity at Kevadia on the Narmada River now reflects his towering legacy. He highlighted the decisive stance Patel took during independence, particularly when facing resistance from Junagadh and Hyderabad. While the Nawab of Junagadh fled to Pakistan following Patel's firm ultimatum, the Nizam of Hyderabad—whose reign saw widespread atrocities and forced conversions against Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains—was similarly forced into surrender. In contrast, Chief Minister Yogi pointed to the historic mishandling of Jammu and Kashmir under India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, noting that keeping Kashmir away from Patel's jurisdiction led to tribal raids, the creation of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), and large-scale violence. He criticized Nehru for introducing Article 370 despite strong opposition from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, contrasting it with the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who permanently abrogated Article 370 to fulfill the vision of "One Nation, One Constitution, One Leader, One Flag" championed by Sardar Patel and Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
₹1,725-Crore Sardar Patel Scheme Launched: Phase 1 Rolled Out in Five Strategic Hubs
Translating commemorative vision into civic development, Chief Minister Yogi inaugurated the ₹1,725-crore Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Skill Training and Employment Area Development Scheme. In its initial rollout, foundation stones were laid for modern skill training and industrial development hubs across five major urban and economic corridors: Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Kanpur, Jhansi, and Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida). During the ceremony, the Chief Minister acknowledged the dedicated organizational efforts of MLA Shashank Verma and his late father, Patel Ramkumar Verma, accepting an artistic portrait of Sardar Patel intricately crafted from wheat grains by artist Shailendra Uttam. Alongside the formal release of the commemorative publication 'Patel Souvenir 2026', senior leadership paid floral tributes to the Iron Man, including Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, BJP State President and Minister Chaudhary Bhupendra Singh, Ministers Girish Yadav, Baldev Singh Aulakh, and Kailash Rajput, alongside Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharkwal and Rajya Sabha MP Prakash Pal.
