PM Modi talks of unity at Kevadia event

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed "deep anguish" at the mishap in Morbi. Condoling the death at an Ekta DiWas programme in Kevadia on the occasion of Sardar Patel's anniversary, he emphasised on the need for unity while dealing with such situations.

He also underlined that unity is fostered when there is equality in distribution of government welfare measures and in the development of a region.

"Even though I am in Kevadia, my heart and mind are with the victims of the Morbi mishap. On the one hand, there is a heart laden with grief, while on the other there is the path of Karma and Kartavya. The path of duty and responsibility has led me here to the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas," Modi said, adding that the government stands firmly with the families of those who lost their lives.

Modi said the Centre is providing all assistance to the state government in carrying out the relief and rescue operations. NDRF teams have been deployed along with the army and air force personnel.

A committee has been formed to probe the incident and there will be no shortcomings when it comes to rescue operations, he assured the people. Modi urged the people to stand united in facing such challenges. "For India, unity was never a compulsion, it was always a feature of our country. Unity has been our uniqueness," Modi said.

"In a calamity like the one that happened in Morbi on Sunday, the entire country comes forward as one and people offer prayers and assistance. During the time of the pandemic, this unity was on full display," he added.

He hailed the contribution of Sardar Patel in unifying the nation by amalgamating the princely states after Independence. Now, it is the responsibility and duty of the citizens to strengthen this unity.