The Unfulfilled Prime Minister: Patel vs. Nehru
Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar alleged that Nehru prevented Patel from becoming PM, suggesting India's image would have been better under Patel. Dilawar highlighted Patel's pivotal role in integrating princely states during a press conference commemorating Patel's 150th birth anniversary with state energy minister Heeralal Nagar.
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In a press conference attended by state energy minister Heeralal Nagar, Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar alleged that Jawahar Lal Nehru hindered Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's ascent to the prime ministership. Dilawar suggested that had Patel led, India's image might have been more esteemed globally today.
The conference, focusing on the upcoming unity march for Sardar Patel's 150th anniversary, highlighted his crucial role in uniting over 600 princely states, notably convincing the Nizam of Hyderabad to join India. Dilawar emphasized, "It would not be an exaggeration to say that the India we see today owes much of its existence to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel."
He further claimed internal Congress conflicts blocked Patel from reaching leadership positions, due to Gandhi's interventions and Nehru's resistance. "When Patel had the opportunity to become prime minister, Nehru's reluctance to work under anyone else led to Patel withdrawing," Dilawar contended, reflecting on the political dynamics of India's past.
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