Ahead of the country's first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel birth anniversary on October 31, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tributes to the leader and dedicated a "united India" to Patel's "sagacity and strategic wisdom". Modi, in the 49th episode of his monthly radio programme "Mann Ki Baat", also paid tributes to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

"October 31 also is the death anniversary of our former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Our respectful tributes to Indiraji," Modi said. Recalling Patel's contribution in uniting the nation, Modi said the leader ensured "the merger of all princely states with the Dominion of India".