As per sources, October 31, the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, might be the likely date from which the model code of conduct will come into effect in Gujarat. The day is also observed as National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. It was introduced by the Government of India in 2014.

Before the model code of conduct comes into force, large-scale celebrations have been planned for the day at the site of the Statue of Unity. The statue is located on the Narmada River in the Kevadiya colony, facing the Sardar Sarovar Dam.

Ever since the BJP came to power at the Centre, Sardar Patel has been its favourite icon of alleged injustice by the Nehru-Gandhi family. It is also assumed that a verbal diatribe would be directed at Medha Patkar and other activists who had for long voiced their opposition to the Sardar Sarovar Dam project.

The Gujarat secretariat’s Narmada Nigam and Statue of Unity departments are working towards the October 31 celebrations. Lakhs of people would be brought to the Kevadiya colony in a grand show of strength before the model code of conduct is officially imposed by the Election Commission. Gujarat elections are in the offing in December this year.