Karamsad (Gujarat): In a veiled criticism of the Nehru family, Deputy Prime Minister, L K Advani, today (October 31) said it was 'unfortunate' that only one family was taking the credit of obtaining independence for India and that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was sidelined.

Speaking on the occasion of handing over Bharat Ratna conferred on the "Iron Man" in 1991 to Sardar Patel Trust in Karamsad on his birth anniversary, Advani said, "Lakhs of people had contributed towards the country's independence, but unfortunately it is believed that only one family has fought for India's freedom".

"Lakhs of people have sacrificed their lives and many others have undergone severe torture in the jails during the freedom struggle", Advani said adding that it was unfortunate that only one family was taking credit for India's freedom.

Stating that he did not want to comment on the reasons why Sardar Patel was awarded the Bharat Ratna after 50 years of Independence despite his unparalleled contribution, Advani said, "It is sad the way Iron Man of India was sidelined for all these years".

Lauding Patel's contribution in unification of independent India, Advani said, "had Sardar Patel not been there, India would have been divided into hundred states as there were nearly 500 princely states existing then. It is unparalleled how Patel unified them into one country', Advani remarked.

Deputy Prime Minister said such immense was his contribution that people even today "wish that he was present among us".

Present on the occasion, the grandson of Sardar Patel, Bipinbhai Patel also handed over a charkha, a shawl and a tea set of Sardar Patel to the trust.

PTI