Run for Unity: Joshi Criticizes Congress Over Patels Legacy

Jaipur, October 31 (Daily Kiran) : On October 31, Jaipur hosted the ‘Run for Unity’ event to commemorate the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The occasion was marked by messages of national unity and integrity, alongside political discussions.

Central Minister Prahlad Joshi took aim at the Congress party, accusing it of failing to honor Patel’s significant contributions to India’s unification. He claimed that previous Congress administrations did not grant Patel the recognition he deserved.

Joshi alleged that the Congress has attempted to erase Patel’s legacy by naming government schemes and institutions after members of the Gandhi family. He questioned the practice of naming programs after former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, emphasizing that Patel’s contributions have not received similar acknowledgment.

He highlighted Patel’s pivotal role in the formation of Rajasthan, stating that he was instrumental in establishing ‘Brihad Rajasthan’ on March 30, 1949. Joshi praised Patel for laying the foundation of undivided India through his vision and leadership.

The minister noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, the dream of ‘Ek Bharat’ (One India) is being realized, steering the nation towards the goal of a ‘Shresth Bharat’ (Great India). He referred to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat, as a symbol of national respect for Patel and a commitment to unity.

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma called Patel a symbol of national unity and urged the youth to actively contribute to nation-building. He described the ‘Run for Unity’ as more than just a race; it represents patriotism, national unity, and collective commitment.

Sharma also highlighted initiatives aimed at introducing the youth to Patel’s ideals under Modi’s leadership. He mentioned platforms like My Bharat that engage youth in nation-building and programs such as Startup India and the Prime Minister’s Mudra Yojana that transform job seekers into job creators. He noted the role of the Khelo India and Fit India movements in identifying and nurturing sports talent from rural areas.

The Chief Minister detailed the state government’s employment initiatives, revealing that 410 exams were conducted transparently, resulting in the appointment of 193,000 youths to government positions. Currently, recruitment processes are underway for 118,000 positions, with plans to fill over 70,000 additional vacancies soon. Sharma also reported that five lakh youths found jobs in the private sector, while 370,000 received skill training. Under the Yuva Sanbal scheme, ₹1,643 crore has been distributed to four lakh beneficiaries.

Sharma announced the launch of ‘Mission Olympic 2028’ aimed at providing world-class facilities and training for Rajasthan’s athletes. This initiative includes the establishment of an excellence center at a cost of ₹20 crore and the creation of 50 Khelo India centers across the state to promote sports and develop emerging talent.

Earlier, Joshi and Sharma flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’ at Amar Jawan Jyoti in Jaipur. The event saw participation from numerous youths and medal-winning athletes. The Chief Minister administered an oath of national unity to participants, urging them to uphold the values of unity, integrity, and patriotism.