September 17 is National Unity Day: Lok Satta

The Lok Satta Party is celebrating September 17 on which the last princely State of Hyderabad merged with the Indian Union in 1948 as National Unity Day, said its national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan here today.

Unfurling the national flag at the party headquarters to celebrate National Unity Day, Dr. JP said that national leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel accomplished the merger of nearly 540 princely States with almost no bloodshed. The entire nation should be proud of this unprecedented development in world history. It should not be viewed as an event concerning Hindus and Muslims or Kannadigas and Marathas. If we wrangle amongst ourselves based on region or religion, we will be endangering national unity. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi he said, the concept of an eye for an eye will leave everyone blind. As Nehru said, "If India loses who wins; if India wins, who loses?"

Dr. JP pointed out that India has survived as a nation because it opted for a federal setup which gave voice to every section whatever be its religion or caste or culture. In the recent past, the federal system has struck deeper roots. The time has now come for devolving powers and resources on local governments, the third tier of the federal setup.

Dr. JP regretted that in the name of federalism some States have been undermining economic development and promoting corruption and cited some States' objections to creation of strong Lokayuktas and introduction of the Goods and Services Act.

Dr. JP pointed out that India is a country known for its complexities and diversity. Growth opportunities should be provided to all irrespective of the accident of their birth in a particular caste or religion or class.

Lok Satta Party Working President D. V. V. S. Varma, and leaders G. Raja Reddy, Bandaru Rammohan Rao, V. Vijayender Reddy, S. Manorama, K. Geeta Murthy, M. Satyanarayana, Padmaja Rani and Hyma took part in the function.