Shah: Patel’s legacy was undermined

Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday claimed that the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was undermined and he was deprived of the nation’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, for several years. Sardar Patel was bestowed with Bharat Ratna - the country’s highest civilian award - posthumously in 1991, 41 years after his death in 1950.

He said this after flagging off a ‘Run for Unity’ at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, ahead of the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel.

The Home Minister said it was because of Sardar Patel’s will power and efforts that the Lakshadweep Islands, Junagarh, Hyderabad and all other princely states were merged with India.