Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

• Context (IE): 31^st October 2023 was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 148^th birth anniversary.

Kheda Satyagraha (1918)

• In 1918, crops failed in the Kheda (Gujarat) because of the drought.
• The peasants demanded the remission of land revenue, but the government refused.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel led the struggle which Gandhi supported.
• Ultimately, the government agreed to suspend the tax for the year in question and for the next, reduce the increase in rate, and return all the confiscated property.

According to the Revenue Code, the farmers were entitled to remission if the yield was less than one-fourth of the normal produce.

Bardoli Satyagraha (1928)

• In 1928, the peasants protested official efforts to increase land revenue in Gujarat. Vallabhbhai Patel was called to lead the movement. The women of Bardoli gave him the title of “Sardar”.
• Under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the peasants organised a No Tax Campaign and, in the end, won their demand.

Role in Constituent Assembly

• The Constituent Assembly divided its work among different committees for smooth functioning.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was the chairman of:
  1. Committee on Fundamental Rights and Minorities.
  2. Provincial Constitution Committee.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel presided over the special session of Karachi (1931), which adopted the resolution on fundamental rights and economic programme.

Statue of Unity It is an 182-metre statue of Sardar Patel at Kevadia (Ekta Nagar). It is located on the Narmada River facing the Sardar Sarovar Dam. National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Divas) It is celebrated on 31 October to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who had a major role in the political integration of India. He played an important role in integrating the Princely States with India.