Who advocated the policy of abolishing princely states in free India?

The policy of abolishing princely states in free India was primarily advocated by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs. He believed that integrating these states into the Indian Union was essential for national unity and stability. Patel, along with V.P. Menon, played a crucial role in negotiating with the rulers of princely states to accede to India, thereby laying the foundation for a cohesive nation.