Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated Friday that India’s first Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, aimed to integrate all of Kashmir into India, but then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru prevented this from happening. Modi made these remarks during the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations near the Statue of Unity in Gujarat's Ekta Nagar, marking Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary. He criticized Nehru's actions, calling them a "historic mistake" that led to decades of turmoil in the region. ^{[1][2][3][4][5]}### Modi Critiques Past Kashmir Policy Speaking to a gathering after reviewing the National Unity Day parade, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that Sardar Patel had a vision to unite the entire Kashmir, similar to how he integrated over 550 other princely states into India. M^[1][4]odi asserted that Nehru's intervention stopped Patel's wish from being fulfilled. H^{[1][6][2][3][4][5]}e claimed that Kashmir was subsequently divided, given a separate Constitution and a distinct flag, leading to prolonged suffering for the nation due to "Congress' mistake." ^{[1][6][2][4][5]}Modi highlighted Sardar Patel's belief in creating history through hard work rather than merely documenting it. H^[1][4]e underscored Patel's paramount idea of "One India, Excellent India." T^[1][6][4]he Prime Minister accused past governments of adopting a "spineless approach" instead of following Patel's strong policies, resulting in a portion of Kashmir falling under Pakistan's "illegal occupation." T^[6][3][5]his, he added, fueled state-sponsored terrorism and caused the country to pay a heavy price. M^[6][3][5]odi declared that his government has not forgotten Patel's vision. ^[6][3]### Historical Context of Kashmir's Accession The princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, led by Maharaja Hari Singh, initially sought independence after the British departure in 1947. H^[7][8]owever, facing an invasion by tribal militias supported by Pakistan in October 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh appealed to India for military assistance. I^{[7][9][10][11]}ndia agreed to provide aid after the Maharaja signed the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947, formally joining Jammu and Kashmir with the Dominion of India. ^{[7][9][10][11]}Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, played a significant role in handling the Kashmir issue. H^[12][10]e had a deep emotional attachment to Kashmir due to his ancestral roots. N^[12]ehru was resolute about Kashmir's integration into India. U^[8]pon accepting the Instrument of Accession, Nehru reportedly promised a plebiscite to determine the state's future once peace was restored. L^[10][13]ater, he took the Kashmir issue to the United Nations in 1948, which led to resolutions calling for a plebiscite that never fully materialized. N^[14][10][15]ehru was also instrumental in the formulation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. ^[7][14][10]Sardar Patel, known as the "Iron Man of India," was primarily responsible for integrating more than 550 princely states into the Indian Union following independence. H^[1][4][16]is approach was often characterized by pragmatism and a firm hand. While some historical accounts suggest Patel was initially open to Kashmir joining Pakistan due to its Muslim-majority population, his stance reportedly shifted, particularly after Pakistan accepted Junagadh's accession. U^{[17][8][13][18]}nion Home Minister Amit Shah has also credited Sardar Patel with the decision to send the army to Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring its status as an integral part of India. ^[16]### Current Government's Stance and Future Actions Prime Minister Modi reiterated his government's commitment to national unity and security. He stated that Kashmir has been fully integrated into the mainstream by removing the "shackles" of Article 370. M^[6][3]odi declared that "Pakistan and the architects of terrorism now understand India's true strength." H^[6][3]e also addressed the issue of illegal infiltration, calling it a serious threat to India's unity and demographic balance. M^[2][3][4]odi pledged a decisive fight against this threat, vowing to eliminate every infiltrator from the country. ^[2][3][4]The Prime Minister emphasized that "this is the India of Sardar Patel," an India that will never compromise on its security or self-respect. H^[2][3]e warned against actions that weaken national unity and urged citizens to guard against both internal and external threats. M^[2]odi connected Patel's philosophy to his government's actions since 2014, highlighting successes against Naxal-Maoist terror, which he said has seen its influence shrink significantly. H^[2]e affirmed that the battle against such threats will continue until they are completely erased. ^[2]The Prime Minister’s statements reinforce a long-standing narrative within his political party, emphasizing Sardar Patel's legacy and critiquing historical decisions regarding Kashmir. The government asserts that its policies align with Patel's vision for a strong, unified India.

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