Narendra Modi flags off 'Run for Unity' marathon, hails Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Vadodara, Gujarat: Chief Minister Narendra Modi flagged off 'Run for Unity', which seeks to drum up support for his pet 'Statue of Unity' project, on the 63rd death anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel here this morning.

The run is being held simultaneously in 1,100 places across the country.

"This run is being organised with a determination to unite the people, unite the villages and unite the nation," Modi said, adding that it was about "patriotism".

"This is an effort to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of all Indians. Please do not view it from prism of politics," he said.

Senior BJP leader L K Advani flagged off the run in Ahmedabad. He said the event was a true tribute to Patel and praised the people for turning up in large numbers.

While in Vadodara, Modi said, "Gujarat has moved ahead due to spirit of peace, unity and 'sad-bhavana'."

Gujarat government is building a gigantic statue of Sardar Patel 'Statue of Unity' which it claims would be the world's tallest statue on Sadhu Bet in Narmada river.

The run will also start a campaign for collection of iron from all over the country for the statue. It is being organised simultaneously in 1,100 places, and lakhs of people are expected to participate.

Paying rich tributes to Patel, Modi said, "Sardar Patel devoted his life to unify the nation. He integrated the common people in the freedom struggle and made efforts to rid the nation of the colonial mindset. He undid the mindset of divisiveness and united the nation.

"When we remember Gandhiji we remember truth, non-violence, sacrifice, simplicity, Satyagraha; when we remember Sardar Patel, we remember Ekta, Surajya and Kisan (unity, good governance and the farmer)," he said.

Saying that India's diversity was its strength, the Gujarat Chief Minister added: "Our diversity is not something that is on paper. It is the manifestation of our strength. It is not only our identity but also our tradition."

"Good governance" was the need of the hour, said Modi, BJP's candidate for Prime Minister, in an apparent potshot at Congress-led UPA government.

The run comprises 5 km, 15 km and 21 km distances.