It’s a privilege to share my reflections on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a figure who stood closest to me among the prominent leaders I’ve known. His exceptional talents and deep impact on me are undeniable. Though many might have feared him, I held a genuine affection for him. My close association with Sardar Vallabhbhai began in 1928 during the Bardoli Satyagraha, a pivotal moment when I was an independent member of the Bombay legislative council. Even the then governor, Sir Leslie Wilson, acknowledged the absence of official overreach and the falsity of propaganda against the movement. Witnessing the Sardar’s leadership in action was inspiring. He had developed a powerful method of mass resistance that helped me reconcile with Gandhiji’s policies, which I had previously found difficult to accept as practical.
The year 1936 brought the general elections, and I observed firsthand how the Sardar masterfully managed the electoral process, selected candidates, formed and guided ministries, and harmoniously directed diverse, often conflicting, forces across the country. He skillfully navigated political landscapes, countered opposition, and brought new alliances into play. My frequent visits to Bombay, often daily, allowed me to witness the sheer brilliance of his strategic mind. In a Congress party brimming with ambitions, it was the Sardar’s unique genius that brought much-needed order and discipline. I recall him often working late into the night, handling long-distance calls from all over India, offering concise and decisive suggestions that proved remarkably effective.
Our time together in Yeravada Jail in 1940 offered a glimpse into his personal warmth. He would share laughter, crack jokes, and tell amusing stories. He took on the role of our household manager, ensuring our tea, food, and other arrangements were well taken care of. We often spent hours walking and talking, and he would recount tales from his youth, his early days with Gandhiji, and shed light on crucial connections in events I had only partially witnessed.
The Sardar truly embodied the executive arm of the Gandhian framework of power. This framework extended far beyond the Congress party itself, encompassing a broader influence that formed the bedrock of our national movement. While Gandhi inspired and set the direction and goals, it was Vallabhbhai who ensured that the plans were executed effectively. He was the essential force that translated vision into action, guiding countless individuals who drew inspiration from Gandhiji’s ideals.
Sardar Patel had dedicated his entire life to the cause, setting aside personal ambitions and attachments in favor of advancing Gandhian policies. Once his views were aligned with Gandhiji’s, he did not waver. He saw himself as an instrument, much like Shri Krishna desired Arjuna to be – a mere medium for a greater purpose. This profound commitment, while instrumental to his success, perhaps contributed to the underappreciation of his monumental work. He never sought personal credit, content to be known simply as an instrument of Gandhiji’s mission.
On the grand chessboard of Indian politics, the Sardar was an unparalleled player. His gaze encompassed the entirety of India, every sphere of its life. He meticulously observed every player, both ally and adversary, keeping a vigilant watch on the British presence. His strategic calculations, both large and small, were always in motion. Whether in Congress factions, legislative bodies, public forums, or governmental spheres, he wielded influence with a quiet authority. His silence often spoke volumes, compelling others to reveal their intentions.
During election periods, his attention was simultaneously focused on every province, every leader, and every key member across India. As ministries took shape, he keenly observed their internal dynamics and their interactions with the British authorities. Within Congress committees, where personal ambitions could sometimes hinder collective action, he skillfully managed ambitious individuals, guiding them with a hundred watchful eyes. Through this intricate web of political maneuvers, his adept hand orchestrated combinations, all aimed at strengthening India and achieving the ultimate goal of foreign rule’s end.
KM Munshi was a renowned novelist, a freedom fighter, a former Union minister, and a founding member of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. This article is a deeper exploration of his insights, originally published in the Hindustan Times on October 31, 1945, in honor of Sardar Patel’s 70th birthday.