Could Patel as Prime Minister Have Stopped Pakistan and Article 370?
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Synopsis
In a thought-provoking statement, Rajasthan's Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena suggests that had Vallabhbhai Patel been India’s first Prime Minister, Pakistan and Article 370 might not have existed. His remarks highlight significant political history and national unity, igniting a discussion on leadership and decision-making in India.
Key Takeaways
- Kirodi Lal Meena attributes India's division to Nehru's policies.
- Vallabhbhai Patel is seen as a unifying figure in Meena's remarks.
- The BJP emphasizes service to the nation above politics.
- Meena criticizes the Congress party for historical neglect of heroes.
- PM Modi is credited with maintaining national security during his tenure.
Jaipur, Nov 24 (NationPress) Rajasthan's Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena stated on Monday that had Vallabhbhai Patel been the inaugural Prime Minister of India instead of Jawaharlal Nehru, the nation would not have witnessed the creation of Pakistan nor the implementation of Article 370, leading to a more unified India.
Meena contended that the current division of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir stemmed from the choices of India’s first Prime Minister, Nehru.
He asserted that Sardar Patel would have guaranteed India's unity had he been in charge.
In his remarks, he referenced Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, a founding figure of the BJP, who resigned from Nehru’s cabinet in opposition to Article 370.
“It was PM Modi who ultimately revoked Article 370, restoring true freedom and democracy to Kashmir,” he noted during the launch of the Jago Jago Ekta Padyatra in the Ramganj Mandi assembly constituency, coinciding with Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary.
Meena emphasized that the BJP is a party dedicated to the welfare of the people rather than pursuing political advantage.
“For us, the nation takes precedence—above caste, party, and all else,” he declared.
He also took aim at the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of making “irresponsible” comments, including those regarding the Army.
He highlighted the unveiling of a statue honoring a soldier who fell in the 1962 war in Bhilwara, criticizing Congress for overlooking such heroes.
On the matter of national security, Meena claimed that if anyone dared to launch a strike within Pakistan, it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He affirmed that during PM Modi's 11 years in power, no significant terrorist attacks occurred, asserting that the recent incident at the Red Fort has shocked the nation, but PM Modi will ensure justice is served, even if the perpetrators hide in the underworld.
He accused Congress of “strangling” democracy during the Emergency led by former PM Indira Gandhi.
“Those who oppressed the press and imprisoned leaders now claim democracy is under threat,” he stated.
Meena alleged that misinformation misleads the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, claiming they believe Modi intends to abolish the Constitution. “Jawaharlal Nehru was the most significant adversary of Ambedkar,” he remarked, adding that the BJP has operated under the principle of Antyodaya to uplift the impoverished.
As he honored tribal leader Birsa Munda on his 150th birth anniversary, Meena remarked that Munda was a revolutionary dreaded by the British.
“His poisoning at the tender age of 25 only attests to his greatness,” said the minister.
Point of View
The assertions made by Minister Kirodi Lal Meena reflect a significant discourse on historical leadership choices and their ramifications on modern India. His comments invite reflection on national unity, governance, and the historical context of political decisions, encouraging a balanced dialogue about the past and its ongoing influence.
NationPress
24/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Kirodi Lal Meena say about Vallabhbhai Patel?
Kirodi Lal Meena stated that had Vallabhbhai Patel been India's first Prime Minister instead of Jawaharlal Nehru, there would have been no Pakistan or Article 370, leading to a unified India.
What was the historical context mentioned by Meena?
Meena attributed the creation of Pakistan and the implementation of Article 370 to decisions made by Jawaharlal Nehru, suggesting that Patel's leadership would have been different.
What does Meena say about PM Modi's actions?
Meena emphasized that PM Modi abolished Article 370, restoring freedom and democracy in Kashmir, and claimed that Modi's leadership has seen no major terrorist attacks.
How did Meena address the Congress party?
Meena criticized Congress and its leaders, particularly Rahul Gandhi, for making irresponsible statements and claimed that they neglected national heroes.
What principle does the BJP uphold according to Meena?
Meena stated that the BJP operates under the principle of Antyodaya, aiming to uplift the poor and prioritize national interest over political gain.
