Mamata pays tributes to Sardar Patel

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday paid tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary and urged the people to work together to build a strong and united India. Banerjee also urged the people to keep the spirit of unity in diversity alive.

"Tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary. Let us all work together to build a strong and united India. Let us keep the spirit of unity in diversity alive," Banerjee tweeted. Since 2014, October 31 is observed as 'Ekta Diwas' or National Unity Day.

Patel was born on October 31, 1875 at Nadiad in Gujarat. India's first Home Minister, Patel is credited for the merger of over 560 states into the Union of India.