New Delhi, Oct 31 (IANS) Mahatma Gandhi seemed incomplete without Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as he played an integral role in the freedom struggle launched by the father of the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here Friday.

“Sardar Patel joined Mahatma Gandhi in the integration of farmers in the freedom struggle. He (Patel) played an integral role in the Dandi yatra,” Modi said while addressing the nation on the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel being observed as ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’.

“Mahatma Gandhi seems incomplete without Sardar Patel. It was a unique partnership that strengthened the struggle for independence,” he added.

A ‘Run for Unity’ and pledge marked India’s first home minister’s birth anniversary Oct 31.