"Delineating the differing ideological positions held by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, C. Rajagopalachari and Dr. Rajendra Prasad on the one hand and of their Leftist/Socialist detractors and opponents on the other, this book questions the validity of blanket branding based on Eurocentric categories without regard to the Indian context. It establishes that these three Gandhian leaders did not represent conservative or reactionary forces. They, in fact, practiced and promoted progressive ideas in their vision of socio-economic reconstruction of the country. Being anti-imperialist to the core, they stood for democratic and secular ideals promoting communal harmony effectively. This study attempts to relook at the categorization of 'Right' and 'Left' in our national politics and establishes the fact that 'history is not to be studied through the prism of politics.' It is as much a book for the scholars and researchers as it is for anyone interested in Indian politics"--Provided by publisher.