appear as his defence counsel but his entry to Srinagar was blocked by Kak on 21 July. Kak remained defiant despite multiple Congress leaders requesting him to have Abdullah released. Kak, in an unpublished memoir on the accession-disputes, claims to have been ill-disposed to these pleas because the Indian National Congress (INC) had lent its "great weight of authority" to Abdullah's misplaced agitation; INC is castigated for publishing "highly coloured, inaccurate and vituperative statements" and passing resolutions against Singh's government. These unfavorable views about INC would guide his (and Maharaja's) decision to not accede to India —rather than any fundamental objection to the accession itself—, next month. In late July, Kak met with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel —who was to become the home minister of the Interim Government of India— but discussions did not get very far. Patel advised that Sheikh Abdullah be released from prison and steps taken to improve relations between the ruler and the people much to the displeasure of Kak, who rejected Patel's authority and jurisdiction. Patel took offence at what he called the "cold, official touch-me-not attitude" and rejected supporting any plan involving complete independence for Kashmir. Kak's initiative having ended in failure, the British Resident in Kashmir reported in November that Kashmir was likely to stay out of the Indian Union — the cited reason was "antagonism [...] displayed by a Congress Central Government". 1947 After the Partition of India was decided in June 1947, a decision on accession became imminent. Lord Mountbatten visited Kashmir in June (19–23 June) and coaxed Kak as well as Singh into choosing a side while guaranteeing the continuance of constitutional monarchy; on being asked by Kak about the "right choice", he hinted in favor of Pakistan. However, accession to Pakistan did not appeal to Kak and he concluded that "since Kashmir would not accede to Pakistan, it could not accede to India". Kak advised the Maharaja of Kashmir to remain independent for at least a year, before deciding on the issue of accession. In July, Kak met the leaders of INC and Muslim League at New Delhi. Jinnah, coordinating the accession of princely states to Pakistan, promised lucrative terms on an immediate deal but Kak stood by his earlier position. Jinnah did not mind as long as Kashmir did not accede to India. Kak also met V. P. Menon, the secretary in charge of princely states for India, and