Historical Figures

105. With the death of Gandhi, the Patel-Nehru dispute sank into the trough of the times!

Nehru, in his note, informed Gandhiji about the incidents that happened in relation to the Ajmer episode and raised some questions. Was the Prime Minister authorized to take such a step? Who had to take this decision? If the Prime Minister did not have the right to take such a step, nor did he have the right to take a decision in this regard, then he would not be able to function properly in this post and he would not be able to discharge his responsibilities. Nehru wrote to Gandhi in this note that this is only the background. But what will be the principle in relation to the practical difficulties that are constantly arising? If simply put, there is a need to make some arrangements in the cabinet which can create responsibility on one person. In the present circumstances either I should go or Sardar should go. As far as I'm concerned, I'm ready to go. Me or either of us going out of the government does not mean that we will oppose each other in the future.

Whether we are within the government or outside, we will be reliable Congressmen, reliable partners and we will work to get back together in our field of work.

Sardar Patel in his letter disagreed with Nehru's perception regarding the responsibilities of the Prime Minister. If the Prime Minister acts like this, then he will become an autocratic ruler. The Prime Minister is the first among equal ministers in the government. He does not have any binding powers on his companions. Patel wrote to Gandhi that the Prime Minister has written in his note that if there is no harmony between the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, then one will have to leave. If this is to be the case then I must go. I have spent a long period of active service. The Prime Minister is a well-known leader of the country and is relatively young. He has established an international image for himself. I have no doubt that the decision between me and him will be in his favor. So there is no question of him leaving the office.

The discussions between these two leaders had to be postponed due to Gandhi's fast. There were other reasons for this as well. The Kashmir problem had reached its peak and the communal tension in the country was also at its highest. The Government of India was in Sankranti period at this time. Even a small push could cause a great deal of damage. In the end, on Gandhi's death, both of them embraced each other and after that their quarrels vanished forever. Together they addressed the country and called upon the public to stay away from possible violence. Gandhi's assassination united Nehru and Patel. With this, the permanent opposition and differences that lived between Patel and Nehru got absorbed in the pit of time.