Patel Played Key Role in Princely States Integration: VP Radhakrishnan

Hyderabad: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Thursday said the country's first Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel carried extraordinary responsibility in the integration of princely states with the Indian Union post-Independence and laid the foundation for a strong, unified 'Ek Bharat'.Only because of Patel, 'Ek Bharat' will be 'Ek Bharat' forever, he said.

Patel's contribution must be understood in the larger context of national consolidation, he said, speaking at the Hyderabad Liberation Day celebration organised at the Parade Ground here by the Centre to mark the merger of the erstwhile princely state of Hyderabad with the Indian Union on September 17, 1948.

Hyderabad proved to be one of the most difficult cases of that time, and when negotiations failed, the Government of India initiated 'Operation Polo' on September 13, 1948. The operation concluded on September 17, 1948, with the surrender of the Nizam's forces, he said.

He described Hyderabad Liberation as a decisive chapter in the history of independent India and paid homage to the countless patriots who displayed courage and made immense sacrifices in the struggle for liberation and integration.

Patel recognised that the newly independent India could not afford political fragmentation when the foundation of the Union was still being established, he said.

Earlier, the Vice President laid a wreath and paid tributes at the War Memorial and inspected the parade and witnessed the impressive March Past as part of the Hyderabad Liberation Day celebrations. He also visited the exhibition set up by the Central Bureau of Communication, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.

Patel Played Key Role in Princely States Integration: VP Radhakrishnan

VP C P Radhakrishnan, the country's first Deputy Prime Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel carried extraordinary responsibility in the integration of princely states with the Indian Union.

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