The government is all set to celebrate in a big way the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Friday, inviting criticism from the Congress that the legacy of late prime minister Indira Gandhi - who was assassinated 30 years ago on Oct 31 - was being stifled.
A 'Run for Unity' and pledge taking will mark India's first home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary Oct 31, being observed as 'Rashtriya Ekta Divas'.
So far nothing has been announced by government to observe the death anniversary of Indira Gandhi, who was assassinated while she was in office, or on any probable visit by Modi to her Shakti Sthal memorial.
Congress leaders will be paying tribute to the former prime minister at her memorial Friday morning.
For marking Patel's birth anniversary, the celebrations will start with a function at which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay floral tributes at his statue at Patel Chowk near Parliament House at 7.30 a.m.
The prime minister will then address the participants of 'Run for Unity' at Vijay Chowk at 7.40 a.m. and administer the Unity Pledge at 8.00 a.m. The run will be flagged off from Vijay Chowk to India Gate on Rajpath at 8.15 a.m.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh will also attend a marathon programme in Nampally, Hyderabad at 7.45 a.m.
The home minister will then attend the passing out parade of Indian Police Service officers at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who was recently sacked from the post of party spokesperson for joining Modi's Clean India Campaign, slammed the government for forgetting Indira Gandhi.
"Disgraceful that government is ignoring the martyrdom of our only prime minister who was killed in office in the line of duty. Oct 31 forgotten?" Tharoor said on micro blogging site Twitter.
Congress general secretary in-charge of media communication Ajay Maken meanwhile said Indira Gandhi cannot be overshadowed.
"No one can overshadow anyone's legacy. Both Sardar Patel and Indira Gandhi, on their own, have contributed to the country which the country can never forget. No single leader, no single government can ever make people forget the legacy and contribution of any such great leaders," Maken told reporters.
To mark Patel's birth anniversary, public broadcaster Doordarshan has planned a series of programmes, including coverage of celebrations at Patel's village Karamsad in Gujarat.
Schools and colleges across the country will organise events to mark the day, following direction from the human resource development ministry (MHRD).
All the universities were sent notification by the ministry of MHRD suggesting several events that could be organised to mark the day.
A copy of the solemn pledge has also been sent with the notification.
The events suggested by MHRD included the run for unity, debate competitions, exhibitions, panel discussions, march past by NCC cadets, screening of a film on Patel to popularise his works.
At Delhi University (DU), programmes are being held at the north campus and in all the affiliated colleges which have been asked to "submit a brief report of the same along with the photographs latest by Nov 3".
Jamia Milla Islamia have organised events both at their school and the university.
In Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), a "run for unity", a book display and exhibition of the works of Patel has been planned.
The schools were also sent notification by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Directorate of Education giving instructions about the event.
