Modi urges national unity against 'obstructive forces' on Patel's birth anniversary

Addressing a gathering at the Parade Ground in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi distinguished between opposition as a constitutional function and what he termed as obstruction. "The Opposition has turned into 'Avrodh Paksh' (obstructive force) rather than 'Virodh Paksh' (opposing group)," Modi said, emphasizing the importance of national cohesion at a time when the country faces external challenges.

Without naming specific individuals, Modi made veiled references to opposition leaders' international engagements, asking rhetorically: "Who is secretly meeting whom in foreign countries? Forces opposed to India are extending their support to whom?" He alleged that certain political elements were aligning with anti-India interests and questioned whether opposition figures were adopting the rhetoric of India's adversaries.

The Prime Minister raised concerns about the weaponization of social media and the spread of misinformation. "Social media is being used as a weapon, rumours are being spread, and India's image is being tarnished," Modi stated, attributing these activities to forces he claimed were intent on dividing the nation's people.

The remarks came during the national observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, which celebrates the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the Iron Man of India for his role in unifying the nation's princely states following independence. Modi's emphasis on unity reflected the day's significance in India's commemorative calendar.