The myth that Jawaharlal Nehru and Vallabhbhai Patel (born October 31, 1875, Nadiad, Gujarat, India - died December 15, 1950, Bombay) were opponents and adversaries is promoted by advocates (like Narendra Modi) of a strong India, by those who believe that Nehru was soft on Pakistan, soft on China, and soft on the minorities. It is usually accompanied by a subsidiary myth, namely, that Patel would have made a better Prime Minister than Nehru...The myth of their rivalry is best answered in their own words. After Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi died, Nehru wrote to Patel of how the old controversies ceases to have much significance and it seems to me that the urgent need of the hour is for all of us to function as closely and co-operatively as possible. In all the years they had worked together, said Nehru, my affection and regard for you has grown, and I do not think anything can happen to lessen this...Anyway, in this crisis that we have to face now after Bapus death I think it is my duty and, if I may venture to say, yours also for us to face it together as friends and colleagues. Patel, in reply, spoke of how he was deeply touched, indeed overwhelmed, by the affection and warmth of your letter.... He went on: We have both been lifelong comrades in a common cause. The paramount interest of our country and our mutual love and regard, transcending such differences of outlook and temperament as existed, have held us together. And Gandhis death had only awakened a fresh realisation of how much we have achieved together & the need for further joint efforts in our...countrys interests.
Posted on: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 18:30:50 +0000
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