Congress remembers Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Indira Gandhi
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 31 2023:
The Congress party observed the 148th birth anniversary of Iron Man of India Sardar Vallabhai Patel and 39th death anniversary of Iron Lady of India Indira Gandhi simultaneously at Congress Bhavan, today.
At the observance, the gatherings led by former Chief Minister O Ibobi and MPCC president K Meghachandra paid floral tributes to the photos of Sardar Vallabhai Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister, and Indira Gandhi, the first woman Prime Minister.
Speaking at the observance, O Ibobi said that the two leaders played a very big role in making India a vibrant country.
Sardar Vallabhai Patel was instrumental in merging over 500 princely States with India and for this he was given the title "Iron Man of India", Ibobi said and added that Unity Day is celebrated every year throughout the country to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhai Patel.
Indira Gandhi, on the other hand, is often referred to as "Iron Lady of India" for her strong leadership and determination.
Ibobi recollected the famous saying of Indira Gandhi which states "Even if I die in the service of the Nation, I would be proud of it.
Every drop of my blood will contribute to the growth of this Nation and make it strong and dynamic" .
The former Chief Minister went on to state that Indira Gandhi was assassinated on October 31, 1984 for launching Operation Bluestar to suppress separatist Khalistan movement at the time.
The aerial strike of Mizoram in 1966 was also carried out under her leadership to deal with secessionist forces, he added.
Both Sardar Vallabhai Patel and Indira Gandhi were remarkable leaders of the Congress Party, Ibobi maintained.
Saying that the Congress party won't tolerate any attempt to disintegrate Manipur, Ibobi maintained that they will do whatever it takes to keep the unity and integrity of the State intact.