Unfazed by criticism from the Congress, senior BJP leader LK Advani blogged on Thursday that Jawaharlal Nehru was also reluctant to send army to Kashmir in 1948 even as Pakistani troops approached, but Sardar Patel prevailed over him.
Quoting from an interview of Sam Manekshaw (then a Colonel) by senior journalist Prem Shankar Jha, Advani said as the tribesmen – supported by Pakistani forces – moved closer to Srinagar, a decision had to be taken on moving Indian forces there. However, Nehru appeared reluctant at a cabinet meeting.
Referring to Manekshaw, Advani said, “As usual Nehru talked about the United Nations, Russia, Africa, God almighty, everybody, until Sardar Patel lost his temper. He said, ‘Jawaharlal, do you want Kashmir, or do you want to give it away’. He (Nehru) said,’ Of course, I want Kashmir. Then he (Patel) said ‘Please give your orders’.
“And before he could say anything Sardar Patel turned to me and said, ‘You have got your orders’,” Advani said, quoting Manekshaw.