Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary, describing him as the architect of a united and strong India.Attending the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas programme at the OSAP 7th Battalion parade ground, Majhi said Patel united more than 560 princely states through political foresight, strong willpower and realistic leadership.Praising the police, the chief minister said sustained operations and firm steps by the state govt had helped Odisha make major progress towards eliminating Maoist violence. “Areas once gripped by fear are now witnessing peace. Odisha has become Naxal-free under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Union home minister Amit Shah,” he said.Majhi added peace, security, and strong law and order were essential for industrial growth, and credited the Odisha police for maintaining a conducive environment. A new phase of industrialisation has begun in Odisha over the past two years, with investments coming from within the country and abroad, he said.