NEW DELHI: Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his death anniversary.
My humble tributes to the leader I admire most - the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel - on his death anniversary, " Naidu said in a series of tweets.
"His contribution to the Indian freedom struggle and his unparalleled effort in integrating more than 560 princely States with the Indian Union will forever inspire every Indian, " Naidu added.
Modi also took to twitter and wrote, "I pay tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the iron man who laid the foundation of a strong and prosperous India on his death anniversary. Path shown by him will always inspire us to safeguard the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country."
Patel, a freedom fighter became India's first home minister and deputy prime minister. He is credited for unifying hundreds of princely states with the Union of India following independence through a mix of persuasion, dialogue and even use of force when required.