Defining Moment

In the history of any nation there are certain defining moments. Invasion of Mughals, advent of Western Traders, Sepoy Mutiny, are some such. In the context of the present turmoil in our country, I feel that one more defining moment was Nehru living and Patel dying. Setting aside dogmas, with hind sight let us imagine;

what would have happened in Kashmir? Patel, the decisive realist, would not have allowed it to fester. Most likely, the invaders would have been driven out and the accession taken to its full and logical conclusion like any other native state e.g. Junagadh, Hyderabad. The times were conducive then for a strong action.

what would have happened in foreign affairs especially, Tibet? No hankering for external approval or Nobel Peace prize. Pragmatic national consideration would have prevailed. No Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai which only lost us a huge chunk of our mother land (where no grass grows!) and further loss of territory a possible reality. India would have commanded respect (respect stemming from steel strength and not pathetic posturing).

What would have happened to dynastic politics? Nehru, who was groomed and promoted by his father Motilal, was himself grooming Indira. He was steeped in dynastic politics whereas Patel was the total antithesis. Patel willingly obliged Gandhi, as a true nationalist. in the leadership issue though he was a towering senior to Nehru and could have even bested Gandhi as Bose did while contesting against Pattabhi. Whereas Nehru though inffectual after a stroke and the chinese debacle, did not retire in favour of fresh blood, instead he got potential challenger 'Kamarajed'.

What would have happened to the 'Communal question'? He would not have allowed large scale inundation of North East by the East Pakistanis. Today we see almost no Hindus in Pakistan. This would not have happened under his dispensation. At worst there would have been a neat and peaceful exchange of population as per the aspirations of people of India and Pakistan then. No communal riots nor pseudo-secularism.

What would have happened to the administration. The Iron Man would not have brooked inefficient Ministers like Krishna Menon who were a lot of gas with no substance. The Civil Services would not have degnerated like now. No propping up of people like Gen Kaul.

What would have happened to the political set up of the country? No linguistic states which was the creation of Nehru on his succumbing to minor riots. Langauge has proved to be no glue with the creation of Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Chattisgargh and the demand for Telangana. Administratively conveient divisions only would have been allowed leading to less chauvanism, no river disputes or border disputes.

What could have been!

...ponder