Mullik was not the only one calling for a hard line to be taken against China’s expansionist policy. Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, perhaps the only political leader who could challenge Nehru’s vice-like grip on the country, also advocated a showdown with China. So did Shyama Prasad Mukherjee (Minister for Industry and Supply) and a host of others. However, practical considerations, along with Nehru’s cultivated image of being a ‘man of peace’ perhaps resulted in India doing absolutely nothing to counter Chinese moves.
