Art 370 abrogation ensured J&K’s integration into country’s mainstream: Rajnath

Vadodara, Dec 2: Terming “Operation Sindoor” as proof of India’s strength to give a befitting reply to those who do not understand the language of peace and goodwill,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday likened India’s action against terrorism to the strong will and leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Addressing Sardar Sabha at Vadodara in Gujarat, Singh, said, “Sardar Patel always tried to resolve problems through dialogue, but never hesitated to choose a bold path as need so arose as in the case of the union of Hyderabad with India.”
Commending the courage and dedication of the armed forces for the successful execution of ‘Operation Sindoor,’ Singh said that the world is today acknowledging the bravery and capabilities of Indian soldiers. “The operation sent a clear message that “we’re a peace-loving nation which never provokes any country, but if provoked, does not spare those who try to cast an evil eye”.
The Defence Minister described Sardar Patel as a key contributor in uniting the nation, adding that his dream of ‘One India, Best India’ has been further strengthened under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Referring to the abrogation of Article 370, he stated that the decision ensured the integration of Jammu & Kashmir into the country’s mainstream.
He emphasised that the Government is following the path shown by Sardar Patel, as a result of which, India, once surrounded by doubts, is today communicating with the world on its own terms.
He stated that unlike the past, the world now listens to what India has to say on international platforms. “India is marching ahead towards becoming a major economic and strategic power. This is due to the immense contribution of Sardar Patel,” he added.
Voicing the Government’s unwavering resolve to safeguarding national interests ever since it came to power, Singh stated that before 2014, India was ranked 11th in the world in terms of economic size, and today, it has reached the fourth position, poised to soon join the top three economies.
He added that the Government has been working with the goal of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’, while carrying forward Sardar Patel’s legacy of an independent nation through political and geographical unity. “Our government is binding India with a fabric of cultural, social, spiritual, and economic unity. We are moving forward with the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’. We aim to build a Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he said.
The Defence Minister said that the Government is carrying forward the national security vision of Sardar Patel who had emphasised on defence modernisation and indigenous production of weapons & ammunition. “Today, due to the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative, we are becoming Aatmanirbhar in defence production, while exporting military equipment to friendly countries. Our defence exports have increased nearly 34-fold in the last 11 years. We aim to achieve defence production worth Rs 3 lakh crore and defence exports worth Rs 50,000 crore by 2029,” he said.
Singh stated that Sardar Patel’s entire life was a symbol of purity and honesty, and inspired by these high ideals, the Government aims to get the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill 2025 passed in Parliament, which requires those in the highest positions to behave ethically against corruption. “This means that if a person in office is arrested under any serious charge and is not granted bail within 30 days, they will be automatically relieved from their post,” he said.
He urged the youth to strive and realise the dream of a developed India, stating that maintaining the unity, integrity & sovereignty of the nation is a responsibility that Sardar Patel left to the future generations of the country. “It is our responsibility to keep the country and society united. We must pledge that we will not only inculcate the values of Sardar Patel with complete devotion and purity, but will also prepare future generations for them. This would be a true tribute to the legacy of Sardar Patel,” he said. (KNO)