Page 52 - MAAN KI BAAT - ENGLISH

Operation Polo

The Story of Hyderabad’s Integration

Movement of Indian troops during Operation Polo source: Wikimedia Commons
Operation Polo, a five-day military action conducted from
September 13 to 18, 1948, culminated in the integration of the princely
state of Hyderabad into the newly independent Indian Union. This
operation was a critical chapter in the complex process of India’s
political unification, masterfully dealt by then Deputy Prime Minister
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Following the Indian Independence Act of 1947, the Nizam of
Hyderabad, Osman Ali Khan, aspired to maintain his state’s sovereignty
despite its geographical position entirely within India. While negotiations
ensued, resulting in a Standstill Agreement, the situation within
Hyderabad deteriorated. The rise of the Razakars, a militant group, and
reports of internal unrest created a volatile environment that threatened
regional stability.
Sardar Patel’s handling of the Hyderabad issue is widely regarded
as a testament to his strategic statesmanship. His approach was
characterised by a dual strategy of patient diplomacy backed by
resolute political will. Patel consistently advocated for a fair and
equitable approach to all princely rulers, promising that their integration

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