J&K’s history 'would have been different' if Sardar Patel led 1947 integration: LG Manoj Sinha

J&K Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday joined the ‘Sardar@150 Unity March (Padyatra)’ in Vadodara, Gujarat, where he said that the history of Jammu and Kashmir “would have been different” had Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel been given full charge of the state’s integration in 1947.

Speaking at an event themed ‘Kashmir, Hyderabad and Sardar’, Sinha invoked Patel’s firm stance on J&K and his opposition to Jawaharlal Nehru’s policy and referral of the issue to the United Nations, citing the Iron Man’s “decisive” approach to territorial integration.

The LG, speaking at the ‘Sardar@150 Unity March (Padyatra)’ in Vadodara, recalled Patel’s uncompromising stance on the state’s accession. He noted that “from the very beginning, Sardar Patel had said that we will not give even an inch of Jammu Kashmir to Pakistan.”

“Sardar Patel had opposed the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's policy towards Jammu Kashmir. He was also against taking the issue to the United Nations. In one of his public rallies Sardar Patel had categorically said about complete integration of Jammu Kashmir and his decisive action would have altered the course of history,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Sinha said Patel’s principles continue to guide India’s development. “As an architect of modern India, Sardar Patel symbolises India's self-confidence, self-respect and its bravery. His embodying values of integrity, decisiveness, selfless service continue to inspire us to build a strong, self-reliant and developed India,” he said.

The LG added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is carrying forward Patel’s vision. “With abrogation of Article 370, he has weaved entire India in the thread of unity and realized the resolution of one flag, one constitution and one leader in one country,” Sinha said.

He also cited key government initiatives such as ‘One Nation, One Tax’, ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’, ‘One Nation, One Health Card’, ‘One Nation, One Grid’, the National Education Policy, PM Gati Shakti and ‘Kashi-Tamil Sangamam’ as steps that have “strengthened the unity of the country.”

Calling upon young people to uphold national cohesion, he said: “There are three important pillars of unity, shared values, shared identity and a common purpose act as a unifying force for sustained progress and development.”