Dhar, Sept. 17 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday recalled the contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, on Hyderabad Liberation Day and hailed the "iron-strong will" of the country's first Minister of Home Affairs, in making Hyderabad a part of the Indian Union post-Independence.

Addressing a public rally in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district, PM Modi said, "Today, September 17, is another historic day. On this day, the nation saw the iron-strong will of Sardar Patel. The Indian army liberated Hyderabad and protected its rights, and reestablished India's pride."

"Hyderabad Liberation Day inspires us. There is nothing bigger than Maa Bharati's (Mother India) aan, baan, aur shaan (dignity, splendour and pride)," he said.

Taking a...