Defense minister Rajnath Singh highlighted Operation Sindoor as a firm response to those ignoring peace, drawing parallels with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s decisive leadership. He praised the armed forces and emphasized the government’s commitment to Patel’s vision of a united India, citing Article 370’s abrogation and strengthened indigenous defence capabilities. File photo: Defense minister Rajnath Singh (Picture credit: PTI) NEW DELHI: Defense minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said Operation Sindoor had sent a clear signal that India responds firmly when pushed, drawing a parallel between the government’s action against terrorism and the decisive leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Speaking at the ‘Sardar Sabha’ in Vadodara’s Sadhli village during the Unity March organised to mark Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, he said the operation demonstrated India’s ability to act when peace efforts are ignored.”India showed the world through Operation Sindoor that it is capable of giving a befitting reply to those who do not understand the language of peace and goodwill”, Singh said, as quoted by news agency PTI.Singh praised the armed forces for the success of the mission, stating that “the world is today acknowledging the bravery and capabilities of Indian soldiers.” He added that Patel too believed in dialogue but did not hesitate to take a hard line when required, recalling his role in Hyderabad’s merger. According to him, the present government had upheld the same value through Operation Sindoor, which is “being discussed not only on Indian soil but also in other countries around the world”.The minister targeted former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru over the Babri Masjid issue, saying Nehru intended to construct it using public funds, a proposal prevented by Patel. Singh said Patel had also clarified that the restoration of the Somnath Temple was different because the Rs 30 lakh required had been contributed by ordinary citizens. “Similarly, the government didn’t give a single rupee to construct the Ram Temple in Ayodhya,” he said, calling it an example of “real secularism”.Singh said the Modi government had strengthened Patel’s vision of a united India, citing the removal of Article 370. He argued that if Patel’s approach had been followed during the accession of Kashmir, the issue would not have lingered for decades. He also criticised attempts by earlier governments to minimise Patel’s legacy, claiming that even memorial funds raised by people were redirected on Nehru’s instructions. He questioned why Patel was not given the Bharat Ratna at the time, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi later honoured him through the Statue of Unity.Emphasising national security and defense modernisation, Singh said Patel had long pushed for indigenous capability — an approach the current government is pursuing through Make in India. India aims to achieve defense production worth Rs 3 lakh crore and exports of Rs 50,000 crore by 2029, he said, highlighting that defense exports had risen nearly 34-fold in 11 years.He also spoke of the proposed Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill 2025, which seeks ethical conduct from those in high office, providing for automatic removal if a person arrested on serious charges does not secure bail within 30 days. Singh said Patel himself cared little for position, recalling that he stepped aside in 1946 on Mahatma Gandhi’s advice, allowing Nehru to become Congress president despite having majority backing.Senior leaders, including Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, also attended the event.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosChina’s Condom Tax Shocks the World Amid Birthrate Drop as India Surges Ahead in Population RankingsPakistan Sparks Controversy With Expired Relief Claims As India Rejects Airspace Allegation StronglyCentre Signals Willingness to Discuss SIR, Asks Opposition Not to Set TimelinePakistan’s Adiala Jail To Open Gate To Imran Khan’s Sister After PTI Fury Forces Sharif, MunirRussia Confirms Su-57 Fighter Jets, S-400 Deal On Agenda Ahead of Vladimir Putin’s India VisitCapt Shubhanshu Shares What India Can Learn from ISS SuccessesKremlin Praises PM Modi’s Ukraine Approach, Calls India A Trusted Partner Ahead of Putin’s Key Visit’We Are United…Will Go To Delhi If High Command Calls’: Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar After MeetingRajasthan Police Nab Punjab Resident For Sharing Sensitive Army Details With ISI HandlersWhy Did Pakistan Navy Stay Out During Operation Sindoor: Indian Navy Chief Reveals Stunning Details123Photostories6 best foods for kidneys as per top gastroenterologistAhaan Panday to Vicky Kaushal: 5-star-approved looks that are stealing today’s spotlight5 things people with powerful intuition do without realising itRanveer Singh controversies: From ‘Kantara’ row to AIB podcast backlash, times the ‘Dhurandhar’ actor made headlines for wrong reasonsShraddha Arya finally reveals her twins’ Siya and Shaurya’s faces as they turn one; treats fans to photos from the cosy birthday partyNostalgic Indian baby names that are perfect for Gen Alpha kidsHema Malini, Rani Mukerji, Sridevi: Actresses who worked with both father and son duo onscreen9 exciting road trips to take in India based on your birth date10 relationship rules we should stop following in 2025Daily fitness in 15 minutes: 7-day busy schedule workout plan that actually works123Hot PicksParliament Winter SessionCyclone DitwahWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingCardi BIPL AuctionShedeur SandersDrake MayeGold Price PredictionImran Khan ProtestWWE Raw HighlightsIND vs SA 2nd ODI TimeTom BradySmriti Mandhana
NEW DELHI: Defense minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said Operation Sindoor had sent a clear signal that India responds firmly when pushed, drawing a parallel between the government’s action against terrorism and the decisive leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Speaking at the ‘Sardar Sabha’ in Vadodara’s Sadhli village during the Unity March organised to mark Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, he said the operation demonstrated India’s ability to act when peace efforts are ignored.“India showed the world through Operation Sindoor that it is capable of giving a befitting reply to those who do not understand the language of peace and goodwill”, Singh said, as quoted by news agency PTI.Singh praised the armed forces for the success of the mission, stating that “the world is today acknowledging the bravery and capabilities of Indian soldiers.” He added that Patel too believed in dialogue but did not hesitate to take a hard line when required, recalling his role in Hyderabad’s merger. According to him, the present government had upheld the same value through Operation Sindoor, which is “being discussed not only on Indian soil but also in other countries around the world”.The minister targeted former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru over the Babri Masjid issue, saying Nehru intended to construct it using public funds, a proposal prevented by Patel. Singh said Patel had also clarified that the restoration of the Somnath Temple was different because the Rs 30 lakh required had been contributed by ordinary citizens. “Similarly, the government didn’t give a single rupee to construct the Ram Temple in Ayodhya,” he said, calling it an example of “real secularism”.Singh said the Modi government had strengthened Patel’s vision of a united India, citing the removal of Article 370. He argued that if Patel’s approach had been followed during the accession of Kashmir, the issue would not have lingered for decades. He also criticised attempts by earlier governments to minimise Patel’s legacy, claiming that even memorial funds raised by people were redirected on Nehru’s instructions. He questioned why Patel was not given the Bharat Ratna at the time, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi later honoured him through the Statue of Unity.Emphasising national security and defense modernisation, Singh said Patel had long pushed for indigenous capability — an approach the current government is pursuing through Make in India. India aims to achieve defense production worth Rs 3 lakh crore and exports of Rs 50,000 crore by 2029, he said, highlighting that defense exports had risen nearly 34-fold in 11 years.He also spoke of the proposed Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill 2025, which seeks ethical conduct from those in high office, providing for automatic removal if a person arrested on serious charges does not secure bail within 30 days. Singh said Patel himself cared little for position, recalling that he stepped aside in 1946 on Mahatma Gandhi’s advice, allowing Nehru to become Congress president despite having majority backing.Senior leaders, including Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, also attended the event.
