What was Patel’s relationship with Mahatma Gandhi?

Patel and Gandhi shared a deep but complex relationship characterised by respect, collaboration and occasional disagreement.

• Patel was one of Gandhi’s critical lieutenants. He accepted Gandhi’s leadership and adopted Gandhian style of politics (non-violence, civil-disobedience) especially in Gujarat and later at national level.
• In prison they spent time together — reading Hindu epics, discussing social issues, cracking jokes. Their bond was described as somewhat like elder brother-younger brother.
• They did have policy disagreements: For instance, in issues related to theelectoral policy, socialism, partition, and the precise tactics of resistance, Patel had a more pragmatic orientation, sometimes differing from Gandhi’s idealistic approach.
• Gandhi trusted Patel deeply and at one point told him that a free India needed both Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru. When Gandhi asked Patel to stay on in government, it reflected the strategic importance he assigned to Patel.