First 'vote theft' was against Patel: Kishan Reddy

metro india news I hyderabad

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy on Saturday accused the Congress leadership of committing the first 'vote theft' after Independence by favouring Jawaharlal Nehru over Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the selection of India's first Prime Minister.

Addressing a gathering after paying tributes to Patel on his birth anniversary here at the BJP State Office, alongside party president N. Ramchander Rao, Kishan Reddy alleged that internal democracy was sacrificed to place Nehru in power despite Patel enjoying greater support.

He credited Patel with integrating over 550 princely states and taking decisive action during the Hyderabad Police Action (Operation Polo), which ended the Nizam's rule. He also blamed Nehru's policies for the prolonged Kashmir dispute and its consequences.

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for abrogating Article 370 and honouring Patel through Rashtriya Ekta Diwas and the Statue of Unity, he urged the youth to draw inspiration from Patel's patriotism and national integration. Ramchander Rao said Patel's contribution to India's unity and the liberation of Telangana would remain immortal, urging youngsters to follow his ideals of discipline and selfless service.