Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a sharp political and historical critique while addressing a public gathering in Uttar Pradesh, asserting that the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was deliberately downplayed after Independence and that it was the Bharatiya Janata Party which restored him to his rightful place in national memory.

Referring to Patel’s role in uniting India, PM Modi said the Iron Man of India was denied due recognition for decades despite his unmatched contribution to national integration. He said the BJP took concrete steps to honour Patel, including the construction of the world’s tallest statue in his memory and institutionalising National Unity Day on October 31 every year.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the long neglect of tribal contributions in India’s freedom struggle and nation-building process, saying entire sections of society were kept out of mainstream recognition for political convenience.

Turning his focus to dynastic politics, PM Modi launched a direct attack on what he called the “politics of pariwarvaad,” describing it as deeply insecure in nature. He said leaders driven by family interests often feel threatened by the rise of others and attempt to diminish the stature of national icons to protect their own political dominance.

According to the Prime Minister, such politics survives by shrinking the legacy of great leaders so that a select few families can remain at the centre of power. He added that this mindset has harmed democratic growth and weakened institutions in the past.