July 05 – A ministry for negotiating with princely states was created and Sardar was sworn in as Minister. Sardar persuaded princely states to sign Standstill Agreement and Instrument of Accession within a short period. Thus, he succeeded in bringing together India as one nation under one system of governance for the first time in her history.
August 15 - India achieved independence and Sardar was sworn in as Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.
Oct 26 Maharaja Harisingh acceded Kashmir into the Indian Union and Sardar Patel sent the Indian Army to Kashmir.
Nov 9 Junagadh dispute
Ignored Lord Mountbatten’s advice to refer Junagadh issue to UNO and persuaded the Government of India to accept the accession of Junagadh State.
Nov 13 Visited Somnath temple
Sardar visited Somnath temple in Saurashtra. Resolved to rebuild it with public funds.