‘Naxalism Dealt A Decisive Blow’: PM Modi Says India Has Made Major Strides In Tackling Maoist Violence

News india ‘Naxalism Dealt A Decisive Blow’: PM Modi Says India Has Made Major Strides In Tackling Maoist Violence

Last Updated:October 31, 2026, 19:53 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on National Unity Day and said Naxalism had been dealt a 'decisive blow' in the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on National Unity Day, highlighting the former home minister’s role in integrating India after Independence. PM Modi also spoke about national unity, the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple and the government’s fight against Naxalism.

Addressing the National Unity Day programme, PM Modi said Patel’s contribution went beyond bringing together the country’s territories and also helped foster a sense of emotional unity.

“Sardar Patel did not merely connect the geography of the country; he also bound the nation into a thread of emotional unity. Through the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple in Gujarat, he also initiated the cultural resurgence of the nation.

This year marks the completion of seventy-five years since that great deed. Just as the flag of the Somnath Temple has been flying with absolute self-respect for a thousand years, defying the intentions of all tyrants, that same self-pride inspired us for the Somnath Swabhimaan Parv. This year, the country is celebrating this festival with equal enthusiasm."

PM Modi also described Patel as a key figure in strengthening and protecting India’s unity.

“Sardar Patel played a monumental role in shaping and safeguarding the nation’s unity"

The Prime Minister said Patel had brought together more than 550 princely states after Independence, describing his efforts as central to the political integration of the country.

PM Modi also linked national unity with the country’s constitutional identity, saying Independence Day, Republic Day and National Unity Day are now observed as national festivals.

“A republic keeps us accountable to the public, and unity gives us the strength to move forward as a nation. Therefore, in our country, Independence Day, Republic Day, and Unity Day are now all three celebrated as national festivals with full enthusiasm… On this occasion, I congratulate all fellow citizens on National Unity Day. I bow with reverence at the feet of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel…"

‘Run For Unity’ Held In Morning

PM Modi said this year’s National Unity Day programme differed from previous years as the main event was organised in the evening instead of the morning.

He said millions of people had participated in the ‘Run for Unity’ earlier in the day.

“Today’s event is somewhat different. Until now, we have been holding this program on Unity Day in the morning. This time, there has been a slight change, and we have all gathered in the evening.

In the morning, millions of citizens participated in the ‘Run for Unity’ with a pledge of solidarity, and we witnessed the immense enthusiasm of our countrymen…

There is pride in being a citizen of this great nation, and gratitude towards Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who united more than 550 princely states after independence and bound this nation into a thread of unity with his iron resolve…"

PM Modi On Naxalism

During his address, PM Modi also said the country had made decisive progress in tackling Naxalism.

“Naxalism has been dealt a decisive blow in the country."

The remark comes against the backdrop of the Centre’s continuing operations against Left-Wing Extremism, particularly in areas affected by Maoist violence.

What Is National Unity Day?

National Unity Day, or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, is observed every year on October 31, the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The day was introduced in 2014 to honour Patel’s contribution to India’s unity and integrity.

Patel, India’s first home minister and deputy prime minister, played a central role in the integration of princely states into the Indian Union after Independence. His efforts earned him the title ‘Iron Man of India’.

The annual observance includes events such as the ‘Run for Unity’ and programmes highlighting national integration and unity.

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Anushka Vats

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ...Read More

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