Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday led the ‘Run for Unity’ in Itanagar to mark Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The event was organised by the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The run began at 6:30 am from the BJP state headquarters at Vivek Vihar and concluded at Indira Gandhi Park, witnessing large participation from party workers and supporters. The programme aimed to honour Patel’s contribution to national integration and promote the spirit of unity and collective progress.

BJP state president Kaling Moyong, Assembly Deputy Speaker Kardo Nyigyor, and several senior party leaders accompanied Khandu during the event. Similar activities were organised across the country by the BJP to commemorate Patel’s legacy.

In a social media post, Khandu said it was inspiring to be among dedicated party workers united in the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’. He, along with Moyong, jointly flagged off the unity run to pay tribute to Patel’s role in uniting the nation.

Extending greetings to the people, Khandu described Patel as the “Iron Man of India” and urged citizens to reaffirm their commitment to national integrity, unity, and collective progress. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, observed annually on October 31, celebrates Patel’s leadership in integrating more than 500 princely states into the Indian Union after Independence.