Patel was the first to agree to partition, says Chidambaram

"He was able to reflect the true feelings of millions of people both within and outside the Congress party. He had always fought for the unity and independence of India and for love and brotherhood among all communities, particularly between Hindus and Muslims."

The government, Chidambaram said had awarded Bharat Ratna to Azad, the first Education Minister of independent India, posthumously in 1992.

Reading Azad's book, he further said, "When I (Azad) became aware that Lord Mountbatten was thinking in terms of dividing India and had persuaded Jawaharlal and Patel, I was deeply distressed.

I realised that the country was moving towards a great danger.