Hyderabad: Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy said the efforts of the country’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to merge 511 princely states into the Indian Union contributed significantly to the unity of the country. “On his initiative, in a historic battle, he led the Indian Army against the Nizam’s army, ultimately liberating Hyderabad and protecting its citizens,” he said after paying floral tributes along with BJP leaders at Patel’s statue near the state assembly on the occasion of Unity Day on Tuesday. Patel played a key role in strengthening India and liberating Hyderabad from the clutches of Nizam’s rule. He said the Nizam’s army and Razakars attacked Hindus and freedom fighters, activists, committed atrocities in villages. “Due to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s initiative, police action was taken against the Razakars, they were defeated, the national flag was hoisted and freedom was restored to the people of Telangana. Sardar Patel will always hold a special place in the hearts of the people.”
BJP paid emotional tribute to Sardar Patel on Unity Day
