Rajnath Singh Says Patel Deserved to Be India’s First PM, Blames Congress for Diminishing His Legacy

By A Staff Reporter

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has strongly rejected the claim that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was “too old” to serve as India’s first Prime Minister, calling the argument “utter nonsense.” Singh said Patel possessed immense strength, energy and leadership ability, but never pursued power because “the nation was always paramount for him.”

Speaking about Patel’s legacy, Singh said the Modi government has actively worked to advance his vision of national unity. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have prioritised national interest, recognised the value of ‘One India – Best India,’ and are rapidly moving toward building a ‘Developed India’ by 2047,” he said.

Highlighting Patel’s decisive contribution in integrating more than 550 princely states after Independence, Singh noted that India’s unity during its most fragile phase was secured due to Patel’s firm leadership. “Today’s strong and confident India—‘United and Undivided India’—is Sardar Patel’s invaluable legacy,” he said. Recalling Patel’s words, “I am not a leader, I am a soldier,” Singh emphasised how Patel dedicated his life to national service.

The Defence Minister also argued that had Patel’s views been fully accepted during the accession of Jammu and Kashmir, the country would not have faced the prolonged “Kashmir problem.” He accused the then Congress leadership of diminishing Patel’s place in history. “Nehru awarded himself the Bharat Ratna but did not build a memorial for Sardar Patel,” he said.

Singh added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi restored Patel’s legacy by constructing the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, giving the Iron Man of India the honour he “truly deserved.”