In one of his more important speeches, made on 6 January 1948 at Lucknow, Patel said: I am a true friend of the Muslims although I have been described as their greatest enemy. I believe in plain speaking. I do not know how to mince words. I want to tell them frankly that mere declarations of loyalty to the Indian Union will not help them at this crucial juncture. They must give practical proof of their declarations. (Akbar 1988; p.454)
