Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has accused opposition parties, particularly the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP), of employing the British policy of "divide and rule". Adityanath made these remarks at a state-level workshop organized at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan to mark the commencement of the 150th birth anniversary campaign of Vallabhbhai Patel. He asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) motto is "Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat" (One India, Best India).

Adityanath stated that the Congress, SP, and members of the INDI coalition are following the British policy of dividing society based on caste, creed, and religion, with the intention of weakening the nation's unity and integrity. He criticized these parties for prioritizing their own interests and fostering anarchy by sowing seeds of caste discord.

The Chief Minister drew a parallel to the British colonial era, stating that when India was on the verge of independence, the British plotted to divide the country into many parts. He said they did not want India to be united, but Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, with his vision and strong will, strengthened national unity by merging 563 princely states into the Republic of India. Adityanath emphasized that the united India, stretching from north to south and east to west, is a result of Sardar Patel's efforts.

To honor Patel, Adityanath noted that National Unity Day is celebrated every year on October 31, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He added that the BJP, along with the central and state governments, is working to realize Patel's dream of "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat". Adityanath stressed the BJP's responsibility to convey the message of unity to every village and assembly, particularly when the opposition is engaging in divisive politics.

Further emphasizing the importance of unity, Adityanath announced a series of events. A "Run for Unity" will be organized across Uttar Pradesh on October 31. Following this, an "Ekta Padyatra," a march for unity, will be held from November 1 to 26 in every assembly constituency. This Padyatra will involve participation from retired army personnel, farmers, workers, members of BJP-affiliated organizations, NSS, NCC, and Scout & Guide members. During the march, slogans such as "Bharat Mata Ki Jai," "Vande Mataram," and "Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Amar Rahein" will be raised.