"I want to ask the Indian Muslims only one question. In the recent All-India Muslim Conference why did you not open your mouth on Kashmir? Why did you not condemn the action of Pakistan?......It is your duty now to sail in the same boat and sink or swim together. I want to tell you very clearly that you cannot ride on two horses. You select one horse, whichever you like best."

(The following speech was delivered on January 6, 1948 in a public meeting held at Lucknow)

Our achievements of the last four months have to some extent restored the country's prestige which it had lost in the eyes of the world because of the unfortunate happenings following partition. I appeal to the younger generation to assist us in consolidating India and making her impregnable.

The maintenance of communal and industrial peace is essential if the newly-born independent democratic state of India is to lead the Asian countries on the road to progress and emancipation from foreign domination.

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 matters. I want to tell them frankly that mere declarations of loyalty to the Indian Union will not help them at this critical juncture. They must give practical proof of their declarations.

I ask them why they do not unequivocally denounce Pakistan for attacking Indian territory with the connivance of Frontier tribesmen. Is it not their duty to condemn all acts of aggression against India?

I invite the R.S.S. to join the Congress and not to weaken the administration by creating unrest in the country. I realize that they are not actuated by selfish motives but the situation warrants that they should strengthen the hands of the Government and assist in maintaining peace. By using violence they cannot render true service to the country.

The ever-changing, undevisive and non-committal attitude of Pakistan must be changed. Pakistan should change policy in her own interest. The Junagadh and Kashmir incidents have demonstrated her intention. If you want to divide the rest of India also, say it boldly, and let us decide the issue openly.

The Pakistan leaders have accused the Congress of sabotaging Pakistan. That is far from the truth. The establishment of Pakistan has been advocated as a heaven for Muslims. We should be glad if they make it a heaven for Muslims. They must realize that the enemies of Pakistan are inside it and not outside. If Pakistan collapses, she will collapse by her own mistake and sins.

Today I think of those days when in this city of Lucknow the foundation of the two-nation theory was laid. It said Muslim culture and tradition were not akin to those of the Hindus. Muslims were a separate nation. Muslims of this place played a very important role in advocating this theory.

A few Nationalist Muslims protested against it. They combined with the Hindus because both were perturbed at the advocacy  of such a theory and raised their voice. But my Muslim League brothers made a strong plea for separation. They said that they were not satisfied with separate electorates and safeguard of minority rights. They wanted separatism and the establishment of a separate state.

Throughout the length and breadth of India the Muslim Leaguers spread the doctrine of separation. Muslim youth mostly came under their influence. They accepted it as the whole truth. Consequently, a wall was raised between them and those who were in the Congress.

In Calcutta, on August 15th, the "Direct Action Movement" was launched by them to give a direct blow to those who still did not believe in the two-nation theory. We then thought if there was to be a division of the country, let it be so. Let them manage their own affairs and we will manage our own. After all, we had to drive out a foreign power. We were then facing the problem of getting rid of an alien rule. So we accepted the division of the country and thought we would consider the partition question later.

I will be glad if the Muslim Leaguers can make Pakistan a 'heaven'. I will be happy if Pakistan becomes strong, happy and prosperous. But we did not think that even after separation we would not have breathing time. It is said today that plans for sabotaging Pakistan are being hatched in Hindustan. But I assure you all that the plan of destroying Pakistan is not being hatched in Hindustan. If it is being hatched, it is being done in Pakistan. It is the situation in Pakistan that will ruin Pakistan.

Sometimes they accuse the Hindus, the Sikhs and the Central Government of creating troubles. But, I tell you that if Pakistan falls, it will fall not on account of us but on account of its own enemies within.

The Muslim Leaguers call me their greatest enemy. Formerly they used to call Mahatma Gandhi as Enemy Number One. Now they think Gandhiji is their friend and have substituted me in his place, but I too speak the truth. They believed that if they got Pakistan, they would ensure full protection for the Muslims. But have they ever sympathised with them?

When freedom was won, there came the Punjab massacre which lowered our prestige. Then came the Junagadh issue followed by Kashmir Problem.

We raised the question with Pakistan. They replied : "We are not concerned". It was the Azad Government Dal in Kashmir and Kashmir Muslims who were responsible for aggression. But it is no secret that the Frontier tribesmen are receiving rations, war material, motor trucks and petrol.

As a last resort, the India Government referred the Kashmir issue to the U.N.O. Mr. Mohammed Zafrullah Khan asks why we went out to wash the dirty linen. Are they not satisfied with washing their dirt in the Punjab in the last four months? It is a deliberate falsehood.

I want to ask the Indian Muslims only one question. In the recent All-India Muslim Conference why did you not open your mouth on Kashmir? Why did you not condemn the action of Pakistan?

These things create doubt in the minds of the people. So I want to say a word as a friend of Muslims and it is the duty of a good friend to speak frankly. It is your duty now to sail in the same boat and sink or swim together. I want to tell you very clearly that you cannot ride on two horses. You select one horse, whichever you like best.

In the Constituent Assembly, one of the Lucknow Muslim Leaguers pleaded for separate electorates and reservation of seats. I had to open my mouth and say that he could not have it both ways. Now he is in Pakistan. Those who want to go to Pakistan can go there and live in peace. Let us live here in peace to work for ourselves.

The Muslim League Government in Pakistan declared that they would make suitable arrangements for the minorities living there. But ask the Sind Hindu refugees today. They say it is impossible to remain there. Pakistan is drifting towards lawlessness. There are about eight to ten lakhs of Hindus who want to come out of Pakistan. Some say eight to ten lakhs of Muslims should be driven out of Hindustan. But this is not a sound policy.

Let them leave Pakistan alone to pursue their policy. We are not at all disturbed. If they want to fight, we are thirty-four crores here. We have also men, materials and resources. Pakistan is a baby of yesterday. But it is not wise to mete out the same treatment to the Muslims as the Hindus are receiving there.

I understand there is an urge for military training among the youth. Military training is good and there is great need of it. You should now discard fighting with lathis, daggers and brickbats. I appeal to young men of India to unify India on all sides; do not forget that India was lost on account of foolishness. That foolishness should not be repeated in future. But unfortunately I find the same foolishness prevailing everywhere.

If the States problem had not been properly handled, there would have been a 'Rajasthan'. The screen of a Political Department between us and the States has been withdrawn. I contacted Rajas of various states as soon as Paramountcy was over. Most of them are real patriots. I explained to them the present political situation and apprised them of the situation in Pakistan. I also stressed the point that India was lost on account of internal feuds. They have agreed with me and I am happy that they have understood me.

There are many who criticize us and complain : this has not been done, that has not been done. I have all along told them, and still I say, let us have some time and then see what we have done and what we are doing.

To critics I want to say that since August 15, when we took charge, we have done an enormous amount of work. What about the partition work, the smashing of the steel frame of bureaucracy, the division of assets and liabilities and refugee problem? We called a meeting of the Constituent Assembly and settled with the States. I assure you that if so much burden had fallen all of a sudden on any Government's shoulders, it would have crashed. But we have discharged our onerous duties, have raised our prestige in the world.

Now two things are needed for the reconstruction of India - a strong Central Government and a formidable army. By army I mean all the branches - naval, air and land forces.

If the relation between Pakistan and Hindustan continues as at present, the consequences cannot be foreseen. I am not hiding anything but I am telling bare facts. I would not like anybody to throw dust into your eyes.

I appeal to the Hindu Mahasabhaites to join the Congress. No good will be served by remaining aloof. If you think that you are the only custodians of Hinduism, you are mistaken. Hinduism preaches a broader outlook on life. There is much more of tolerance in Hinduism than is interpreted.

I appeal to the R.S.S. to use their wisdom and work judiciously. I ask them not to be rash and tactless. Do not be aggressive.

Those who are disloyal will have to go to Pakistan. Those who are still riding on two horses will have to quit Hindustan.

In the Congress those who are in power feel that by virtue of authority they will be able to crush the R.S.S. By "danda" you cannot suppress an organization. Moreover "danda" is meant for thieves and "dakus". Using of "danda" will not help much. After all, R.S.S. men are not thieves and dacoits. They are patriots. They love their country. Only their trend of thought is diverted. They are to be won over by Congressmen with love.

I appeal to labour leaders not to foment strikes and create disturbances. There is no alien power. It is easy to approach us now. Why should labour leaders not come straight to us and tell about grievances of labour? The Trade Union Congress is working under the influence of Communists. The days of strike and hartal are gone. They were needed when we were fighting against a foreign power. Those tactics must cease now.

Give us time at least. Let us have three or four years' truce and see what we do.

For a strong army, industries for the production of necessary material are needed. And if there is labour unrest, a strong and formidable army cannot be built up.

At the last Industrial Conference the labour leaders agreed with but still there was a one-day strike in Bombay.

If we all proceed on these lines, India will meet a disastrous end. Unless you produce more, how will you share the profits? India is not an industrial country. She is to be industrialized first. This sort of foolishness will only put obstacles in the way of the country.