PM Modi completes Sardar Patel’s vision by ending Article 370’s special status

Setting the context of integration

Patel earned the title “Iron Man” for his decisive role in integrating over 550 princely states into independent India. Shah reminded audiences that while that chapter closed decades ago, one territory — Jammu & Kashmir — remained under a special constitutional status, preventing full constitutional merger. By abrogating Article 370, the government says it has now completed that unfinished business.

Significance of the move

The act of abrogating Article 370 is being portrayed by officials as crucial for extending uniform laws, rights and development programmes to Jammu & Kashmir. In his address, Modi insisted that the special status was a stumbling block and that “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” (One India, Best India) can only be built on full integration.

Broader message on National Unity Day

This statement came as part of the celebrations for Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), held at the iconic Statue of Unity in Gujarat. The event served as a platform to emphasise the themes of solidarity, constitutional unity and shared national identity under Patel’s legacy.

What to watch

While the government frames this as a historic completion of integration, analysts point to remaining challenges: ensuring equality of rights, accelerating development in the region, and addressing local sentiments. The coming months will test whether the narrative matches ground realities.

Observers note that the success of abrogating Article 370 will be judged not only by legal and constitutional milestones, but by tangible improvements in governance, economic opportunity and social inclusion in Jammu & Kashmir.