New Delhi, December 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the country's first deputy Prime Minister, on his 68th death anniversary. "Remembering the great Sardar Patel on his Punya Tithi. His thoughts, rich work and strong effort towards India's unity inspire generations of Indians," Modi tweeted. The Congress party also remembered Patel. It said in a tweet: "Sardar Vallabhai Patel, known as 'Iron Man of India', was the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of independent India.

"A stalwart of the Congress Party he valiantly fought the British & worked tirelessly to unite the country. We salute his valour and honour him today." Gujarat: Statue of Unity Sees Record 27,000 Visitors on Saturday.

Vallabhbhai Patel, known for his contribution in uniting the country through the merger of small princely states, was born on October 31, 1875, and died on December 15, 1950.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 15, 2018 03:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).