JRD Tata on Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel. [From, Beyond the Last Blue Mountain: A Life of JRD Tata, by RM Lala, Penguin]
We'd never know and besides it isn't as clear-cut. Before Kashmir's accession to India (Oct 26,1947), Patel naturally was for a plebiscite in Kashmir, as he wanted one in Junagarh & Hyderabad, too.
But after Kashmir's accession, he hardened his stand 1/n
But after Kashmir's accession, he hardened his stand 1/n
2/n January 3, 1948. 2 months after Kashmir's accession. Here is Sardar Patel, in his own voice: "If it goes on like this [Pak mercenaries on the rampage], how can we have a plebiscite? We'll have to take Kashmir through the gun."
"We won't forego even an inch of Kashmir."
"We won't forego even an inch of Kashmir."
n/n Jan 1, 1949. UN calls for a ceasefire.
Patel on July 23, 1949: “We want the ENTIRE territory and battle for the WHOLE of Kashmir.”
Patel on Sep 28, 1950: "We'll DRIVE the Pakistani intruders from Kashmir FOR ALL TIME to come"
Patel died Dec 15, 1950 books.google.co.in
Patel on July 23, 1949: “We want the ENTIRE territory and battle for the WHOLE of Kashmir.”
Patel on Sep 28, 1950: "We'll DRIVE the Pakistani intruders from Kashmir FOR ALL TIME to come"
Patel died Dec 15, 1950 books.google.co.in
n/n What if, for what it is worth:
Sardar Patel to Sir Thomas Elmhirst, Commander-in-Chief, Indian Air Force: If all the decisions rested on me, I would be in favour of a full-scale war with Pakistan. Let us get it over once and for all. [From Sir Thomas' letter to B Krishna; India's Bismarck]
When Churchill locked horns with Sardar Patel, and learnt his lesson. [From India's Bismarck, by B Krishna]
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