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Patel’s alarm, Nehru’s ‘dismissal’: The origins of the National Herald storm

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1 year ago

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New Delhi, April 17: A series of letters exchanged between Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru in May 1950, as documented in the book Sardar Patel’s Correspondence, suggest that Patel expressed concerns to Nehru regarding the use of the ‘National Herald’ for fundraising purposes. These letters indicate that Patel cautioned Nehru about “the potential misuse of government influence in financial dealings” and advised against accepting contributions from “questionable” sources.

The old correspondence between Sardar Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru has resurfaced at the heart of political debate, following the Enforcement Directorate’s chargesheet against former Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The charges, tied to alleged money laundering in the National Herald case, have brought renewed attention to Patel’s early warnings about financial misconduct linked to the publication—warnings that now seem strikingly relevant.

In fact, The National Herald has been entangled in controversy since the early days of independent India. Letters exchanged between Sardar Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru in 1950 are frequently referenced to point out that questions around the paper’s financial conduct and political misuse were being raised even then.

In 1950, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel explicitly warned Jawaharlal Nehru about dubious fundraising tactics and the ‘misuse’ of government machinery to prop up the National Herald. These serious concerns revealed Patel’s clear discomfort with the ethical and political implications of such actions. Despite the gravity of the warnings, Nehru apparently chose to brush them aside.

Are Sardar Patel’s decades-old warnings proving to be prophetic? The question is echoing across political debates following the Enforcement Directorate’s chargesheet against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, accusing them of orchestrating a “criminal conspiracy” to usurp properties worth Rs 2,000 crore belonging to Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), the publisher of the National Herald. What began as a stern caution from one of India’s foremost statesmen in 1950 has, according to political analysts referencing Patel’s letters, now spiralled into an allegedly full-blown scandal that “underscores a legacy of alleged misuse of power and political entitlement”.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel raised the red flag in a series of pointed letters to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. On May 5, 1950, Patel wrote to Nehru expressing grave concern over a Rs 75,000 donation to the National Herald from two individuals associated with Himalayan Airways. The airline had reportedly obtained a government contract for night air mail services by circumventing objections from the Indian Air Force. Observers say that it was an early sign of “political favouritism and backroom dealings”.

Patel didn’t mince words. He highlighted that one of the donors, Akhani, was already facing multiple charges of bank fraud. Even more damning was Patel’s accusation that Union Minister Ahmed Kidwai was abusing his official position to collect funds for the Herald, including money from controversial businessmen in Lucknow such as J.P. Srivastava.

Nehru’s reply, sent the same day, was “vague and dismissive”– attempting to pacify Patel without allegedly addressing the core concerns. He mentioned having asked his son-in-law, Feroze Gandhi, then General Manager of the Herald, to look into the matter. According to an analyst, Nehru’s tone as reflected in the letter was non-committal, brushing the issue aside as though it were an unfortunate misunderstanding.

Patel, undeterred, responded the very next day, May 6, 1950. He saw through the deflection as he wrote to Nehru in detail, explaining how certain private companies and their shareholders were involved in the process. Sardar Patel noted, “Some contributions did not come from those involved in running the department. Otherwise, to my knowledge, the number of contributions received was sufficient and involved other individuals as well. The transactions I have referred to are of a different nature. There is no element of charity in them.”

In his follow-up, Nehru again “tried to distance himself from the paper and its finances”, claiming he hadn’t been involved with the National Herald or its fundraising for three years and had passed the responsibility to a woman named Mridula. He admitted “some mistakes may have occurred” but continued to what was seen by many as his attempt to “justify” the questionable transactions as part of a legitimate business proposition, even calling it a matter of “loss and profit” — not charity.

This point was highlighted by BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi who stated that on May 6, 1950, Jawaharlal Nehru wrote a letter to Sardar Patel saying, “Herald is a good business proposition and its preference shares and debentures are not a bad investment.”

It was said during Nehru’s time that the investment made in the National Herald could be profitable. This is a good business investment, so its shares or debentures cannot be considered harmful, said Trivedi referring to correspondence.

The direct implication is that from the very beginning, this investment was linked to profit, business, and property, he added. “Today, the Congress party should be asked this ethical question: when this was always a business plan, how can it suddenly be linked to charity or donations given during the freedom struggle?” he said.

This was the breaking point for Patel.

In his final letter dated May 10, 1950, he made it clear that the issue was about integrity, accountability, and the misuse of political power. As Home Minister, he expressed deep concern over the ‘dishonesty’ surrounding the Herald’s funding and the dubious individuals involved.

He rejected Nehru’s defence outright, calling out the rot at the core of what was being portrayed as a freedom movement legacy.

Sardar Patel wrote, “In light of these events, I do not think there is any benefit in pursuing this matter further. I have already told you how I view these activities, and I doubt that if this happened in any other province and I had any connection to it, I would not accept this situation.”

According to Trivedi, this clearly means that he had become disillusioned and did not want to talk about it again. “Now, Congress should explain what kind of sacrifice and dedication this was,” Trivedi asked.

According to political observers, Patel’s firm stance exposed a deeper malaise — a troubling pattern of entitlement, favouritism, and ethical compromise that would resurface decades later. His warnings, largely ignored at the time, now seem eerily prophetic.

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Not just a leader, MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde became an example of humanity, assured workers, “I will empower every worker”

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2 days ago

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May 30, 2026

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In politics, leaders are often identified by their speeches and rallies, but sometimes there are times when the human face of a leader touches the hearts of people. Shiv Sena MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde has set such an example. Rasool Ghafoor Syed, who lost his son ten days ago, went to meet MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde in Kejriwal to share his grief. There, he suffered a sudden heart attack. He was immediately taken to the hospital but died during treatment. Two major tragedies have befallen a single family in a few days. As soon as the news of the incident was received, MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde went straight to the family home. He not only offered his condolences but also sat with the family and shared their grief. During this, Dr. Shinde provided financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh and assured the responsibility of the children’s education. This incident once again proved that Dr. Shrikant Shinde is not just a politician but also a sensitive human being who understands the pain and suffering of the common people. The way he supported his family in difficult times and showed humanity is being talked about in the entire region. Minister Bharat Sheth Gogawale, MP Sandipan Bhumare, former MLA Sangeeta Thombare and Yuva Sena Inspector Bajirao Chavan were also present with Shrikant Shinde during the event.

Shiv Sena Parliamentary Party leader and MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde, who is on a visit to Maharashtra, said that Marathwada has always been the stronghold of Shiv Sena, and the party will work to empower every worker there. As part of his “Shiv Samavad” tour, he interacted with workers and office bearers in Bed district to review the preparations for the upcoming elections. At a meeting held in Kej, MP Dr. Shinde said that it is necessary to strengthen the organisation at the booth level in view of the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections. He urged the workers to go to the villages and strengthen the party. He said that the party leadership is also focusing on the common workers and those who work hard will get organizational responsibilities. He said that appointments for Taluka Heads, Deputy Taluka Heads, Branch Heads and Deputy Branch Heads in Parli and Kej assembly constituencies will be made soon. Minister Bharat Sheth Gogawale highlighted the important role of BLA in the voter list revision campaign and stressed the need to collect accurate voter information at every booth. He urged the workers to work diligently for the organization. Meanwhile, MP Dr. Shinde addressed three separate meetings from Kej, Parli, Beed, Majalgaon, Ashti, and Giurai assembly constituencies of Beed district. A large number of Shiv Sena members were present in the meetings.

During his tour of the “Shiv Samavad”, Dr. Shrikant Shinde visited 23 assembly constituencies of Marathwada in the last three days, directly interacted with party workers, and conveyed the message of strengthening the organization.

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National News

US President Donald Trump’s Daughter Tiffany Visits India’s Iconic Taj Mahal With Husband During Private Trip

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2 days ago

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May 30, 2026

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India’s most iconic monument just welcomed another high-profile visitor. Tiffany Trump, daughter of US President Donald Trump, made a stop at the world-famous Taj Mahal on May 30 during her private trip to India, accompanied by her husband, Michael Boulos.

The couple reportedly arrived in Agra on Saturday and spent time exploring the historic marble mausoleum before continuing their travels to Rajasthan. Videos from the visit, shared by press, showed Tiffany embracing the Indian summer in a breezy floral dress, while Michael opted for a relaxed casual look as they admired one of the world’s most celebrated architectural wonders.

Inside Tiffany Trump’s India visit with husband

Tiffany travelled to Agra via a chartered aircraft. Given the family’s global profile, authorities made special security arrangements during the visit. However, officials have clarified that the trip is entirely personal, with no political meetings or official engagements on the schedule.

Before arriving in Agra, Tiffany also visited Swaminarayan Akshardham in Delhi. Sharing her experience on social media, she described the visit as an “Incredible visit to Akshardham Temple,” offering followers a glimpse into her cultural tour across India.

The visit has naturally sparked interest, not only because of Tiffany’s famous family name but also due to the Trump family’s longstanding connection with India. Over the years, members of the family have frequently expressed admiration for India’s culture, heritage, and historic landmarks.

Tiffany, the daughter of Donald Trump and actress Marla Maples, married Michael Boulos in 2022. Since then, the couple has often been spotted together at family celebrations, public appearances, and international events.

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Tejashwi Yadav To Lead Major RJD Organisational Overhaul After MLC Polls; Bihar Chief Mangani Lal Mandal Likely To Be Replaced

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2 days ago

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May 30, 2026

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Patna: RJD national working president Tejashwi Yadav may effect a major organisational rejig after the MLC polls, scheduled next month.

In the party`s organsiational overhaul, RJD is also likely to have a new Bihar chief, replacing the incumbent Mangani Lal Mandal. Ahead of the organisational rejig, Tejashwi is scheduled to hold meetings with the party’s district presidents, senior leaders, and party workers.

Senior RJD leaders will hold discussions in these meetings to formulate strategy for strengthening the party at the booth level. The announcement of the new team is expected to follow immediately thereafter. It is widely believed that, in addition to the state president, leaders holding various other organisational positions will also be replaced.

Mandal was  made state RJD president last year. Recently, Mandal created a flutter in party circles after he  expressed his displeasure regarding the working methods of party leaders and workers.

He alleged that several important events were being organised without informing senior office-bearers, and that party protocols were  not followed. He also warned that strict disciplinary action would be taken against those found violating party norms.

Amid the speculation over Mandal’s potential departure, names of former ministers Kumar Sarvajeet and Alok Mehta are doing the rounds for the post of state party chief.

Sarvajeet is considered the frontrunner in this race. He is the RJD MLA representing the Bodh Gaya assembly constituency and is known for his close proximity with both party chief Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi. 

The second major name in this race is Alok Mehta. He possesses extensive political experience at both the central and state levels in Bihar. He is a former MP and currently serves as the RJD MLA from the Ujiarpur constituency.

He is widely regarded as having a strong command over the party’s grassroots cadre. The third name in contention is that of RJD MP Sudhakar Singh. He is the son of the  former state RJD chief, Jagdanand Singh. 

The second major name in this race is Alok Mehta. He possesses extensive political experience at both the central and state levels in Bihar. He is a former MP and currently serves as the RJD MLA from the Ujiarpur constituency.

He is widely regarded as having a strong command over the party’s grassroots cadre. The third name in contention is that of RJD MP Sudhakar Singh. He is the son of the  former state RJD chief, Jagdanand Singh. 

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