A Rajasthan Minister has ignited a fresh political firestorm by making a significant claim about India's history, suggesting the country would have remained a unified nation had Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel been its first Prime Minister instead of Jawaharlal Nehru.
A Controversial Historical Assertion
Minister Meena did not mince words in his assessment, directly linking the creation of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to the decisions made by India's first Prime Minister. He alleged that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir was the direct result of Nehru's decisions, holding him responsible for a geopolitical reality that continues to be a point of contention.
The Political Fallout and Context
The minister's comments, made on 24 November 2025, immediately reverberated through political circles. This is not an isolated remark but part of a long-standing debate that often surfaces in Indian political discourse, comparing the leadership styles and legacies of two of India's most prominent founding fathers. By stating that India would have remained undivided if Vallabbhai Patel was the first PM, the minister has tapped into a persistent narrative that questions the handling of the partition and the early days of independent India.
The statement is expected to provoke strong reactions from various political factions, especially those who view Nehru's contributions as foundational to modern India. It refocuses attention on a pivotal moment in history and its enduring consequences for the subcontinent.
