Despite Gandhi’s open disagreement with Golwalkar, Sardar Patel had sought his assistance in convincing the Hindu Maharaja of Kashmir to merge his kingdom with India under the Instrument of Accession. Golwalkar met Maharaja Hari Singh in October 1947 and Kashmir became a part of the Indian Union. In recognition for his contribution, when Indian troops were sent to Kashmir, RSS volunteers and members of the National Conference led by Sheikh Abdullah were provided arms by the government.
