Kolkata, Oct 31 (PTI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday paid tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary and urged the people to work together to build a strong and united India.

Banerjee also urged the people to keep the spirit of unity in diversity alive.

"Tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary. Let us all work together to build a strong and united India. Let us keep the spirit of unity in diversity alive," Banerjee tweeted.

Since 2014, October 31 is observed as 'Ekta Diwas' or National Unity Day.

Patel was born on October 31, 1875 at Nadiad in Gujarat.

India's first Home Minister, Patel is credited for the merger of over 560 states into the Union of India.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)