Contrary to general perceptions Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was not opposed to the three stalwarts of the Congress?Gandhi, Nehru and Subhas Bose. He may have had ideological differences with them on occasions, or aired contrary views over critical moves. But, as this book tries to establish, Sardar Patel never thought of defying Gandhiji on the issue of payment of Rs. 55 crore to Pakistan although he felt this should not be done without extracting a price. Similarly, he was disciplined enough to give Nehru the respect that was due to him as Prime Minister. As for the Sardar's relations with Subhas Bose what perhaps we remember is his opposition to Bose's re-election as Congress President in 1939. Their mutual respect showed in Subhas' efforts to facilitate the funeral rites of the Sardar's elder brother, Vithalbhai Patel, who had died in Vienna....