AGARTALA, October 31 (TIWN): Alongwith the country BJP state committee also organized “Run for Unity” rally on the 139th birth anniversary of the first Home Minister of the country Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, here today.

BJP spokesperson Tapash Bhattacharya said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel devoted his life for the unity of the nation and it was unfortunate that "our very own people" were killed on his birth anniversary 30 years ago, he added.

This run is being organized with a determination to unite the people, unite the villages and unite the nation," Bhattacharya said, adding that it was about "patriotism". This is an effort to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of all Indians. The country can never forget Sardar Patel, he said.

In an apparent reference to riots which took place after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984, Bhattacharya said, Patel never deviated from his vision of national unity despite facing obstacles in his political life.

It is a misfortune of this country that 30 years ago on the birth anniversary of such a leader an incident which shook the unity of nation took place. Remembering the contribution of Patel in the Independence movement, Bhattacharya said, Mahatma Gandhi had entrusted him with planning of historical Dandi march which he successfully did.

It is unfortunate that the man who dedicated his life for the unity of India, faced criticisms and opposition, suffered hurdles in his political career but was never deterred from his goal of uniting the country, he mentioned. The rally started from BJP state office and traveled various routes of the city and ended at BJP state office. The rally was held in all eight districts of the state, Bhattacharya added.