Page 53 - MAAN KI BAAT - ENGLISH

would be handled with respect by a political settlement that
and that their privileges would reflected Patel’s initial promises
be considered within the new of dignified integration. The
Indian framework. He aimed to Nizam was later appointed as the
demonstrate that accession was Rajpramukh of the state, a move
not annexation but a partnership that underscored Patel’s policy
for a united future. of reconciliation and ensured a
However, as the Nizam’s peaceful transition of power.
administration equivocated, The significance of Patel’s
sought international intervention, role is frequently remembered
and allowed law and order to in contemporary discourse. In a
break down, Patel concluded that recent address, Prime Minister
diplomatic avenues had been Narendra Modi highlighted Patel’s
exhausted. He recognised that an statesmanship, noting his pain
independent Hyderabad would over the events in Hyderabad and
become a source of perpetual his unwavering commitment to his
conflict within India’s heartland. promise of equal treatment for all
His decision to initiate military princely rulers. He also emphasised
action was not taken lightly but that Patel’s firm yet fair approach,
was presented as a necessary which combined a willingness
measure to ensure the stability to negotiate with the resolve to
and integrity of the Indian nation. act decisively when needed, was
The Indian Army’s operation instrumental in convincing the
was swift and decisive. Facing government to launch Operation
limited resistance from the Polo, leading to the liberation of
Hyderabad State forces, Hyderabad from a difficult period
troops secured the state and and its final, peaceful absorption
accepted the Nizam’s surrender into the Indian Union, an event now
on September 18, 1948. The commemorated as Hyderabad
military action was followed Liberation Day.

Civilians looking at Indian Army tanks rolling into Hyderabad during Operation Polo
source: Wikimedia Commons
53
53