States » NorthPosted at: Oct 31 2026 1:33PM


Jaativaad, Kshetravaad and Jinnahvaad must be fought collectively: CM Yogi

Lucknow, Oct 31 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday called for collective efforts to counter casteism, regionalism and linguistic divisions, asserting that forces seeking to divide society is a threat to national unity.
Addressing a programme marking the 151st birth anniversary of India's first deputy prime minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Adityanath said those who considered Muhammad Ali Jinnah an ideal could not claim to follow Patel's legacy.
"National unity is endangered when society is fragmented along caste, regional, and linguistic lines. Just as a weakened immune system leaves the human body vulnerable to disease, Jaativaad (casteism), Kshetravaad (regionalism), and Bhashavaad (linguistic divisions) weaken the collective immunity of our nation, making it vulnerable to external aggression. True followers of the Iron Man, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, are those who place India's unity, integrity, and security above all else. Those who glorify Jinnah's divisive ideology and seek to create divisions within society cannot claim to uphold the ideals and legacy of Sardar Patel."
Earlier, CM Yogi paid floral tributes at the statue of Sardar Patel at the GPO and administered the National Unity Day pledge to those present. He said the pledge reflected the ideals for which Patel dedicated his life, describing him as the architect of the Indian Republic, a freedom fighter and a prominent nationalist leader.
The Chief Minister said that October 31 has been observed as National Unity Day since 2014 following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call. The occasion is marked by the National Unity pledge, Run for Unity and several initiatives aimed at promoting social harmony and national integration.
The Chief Minister said, "The occasion features the National Unity Pledge, the Run for Unity, and various constructive initiatives aimed at fostering social harmony and strengthening national unity, inspired by the ideals of the Iron Man. This year marks the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. Last year, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of his birth, the double-engine government organised several programmes celebrating his life, contributions, and legacy."
The Chief Minister said that, as part of efforts to preserve the legacy of the Iron Man, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the government is also moving forward with plans to establish an employment and industrial zone in every district. He asserted, "No youth in Uttar Pradesh will remain unemployed. The government is systematically expanding skill development and employment initiatives to create better opportunities and secure a brighter future for the state's youth."
CM Yogi said, "Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of the greatest sons of Mother India, was born in Karamsad, near Nadiad, in Gujarat. To honour and preserve the legacy of the Iron Man, Prime Minister Narendra Modi facilitated the installation of the world's tallest statue at Kevadia in Gujarat, on the banks of the Narmada near the Sardar Sarovar Dam. The magnificent statue symbolises the towering personality, vision and stature of Sardar Patel."
The Chief Minister said, "Sardar Patel integrated more than 563 princely states into the Indian Republic. At the time of India's Independence, the rulers of Junagadh and Hyderabad were reluctant to merge their territories with India. Sardar Patel warned the Nawab of Junagadh that if he did not agree through dialogue, the government knew other ways to resolve the matter. The Nawab subsequently fled to Pakistan, abandoning even his children. Today, Junagadh is an integral part of India. "
The Chief Minister said, "Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had retained the Kashmir issue under his own control. At the time, tribal invaders, backed by Pakistan, attacked the region. A part of Kashmir continues to remain under Pakistan's occupation. Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains were massacred there, and their population has now been reduced to almost negligible numbers. Pandit Nehru subsequently implemented Article 370 in the part of Kashmir that remained with India. Babasaheb Dr BR Ambedkar opposed the provision, but Congress committed this grave mistake."
Yogi said PM Modi and union Home Minister Amit Shah fulfilled the vision of 'Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat' by abrogating Article 370. He said the move had established a common constitutional framework across the country, reiterating the principle of "Ek Desh, Ek Pradhan, Ek Vidhan, Ek Nishan".
The Chief Minister further alleged that attempts are being made to challenge national unity and undermine constitutional institutions. He called upon people to collectively confront such challenges and work towards strengthening the spirit of national integration.
CM Yogi also congratulated MLA Shashank Verma for organising the programme and paid tribute to his father. He expressed confidence that everyone would contribute towards strengthening the unity and spirit of 'Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat'.
UNI MBD AAB
Tags: #Jaativaad# Kshetravaad and Jinnahvaad must be fought collectively: CM Yogi
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