Those states which did not merge in India till 15 August 1947, among them Junagarh was also included. At the time of independence, the Nawab of Junagarh was Mohbat Khan, while more percentage was of non-Muslim in the population. Shah Nawaz Bhutto became the Diwan of Junagarh in 1947 who was the leader of Muslim League and relative of Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

On the consent of Diwan, Nawab declared to merge his state in Pakistan. On 13 September, Pakistan accepted the merger of Junagarh in it. In fact Pakistan wanted to use Junagarh’s merger in Pakistan against the issue of Jammu-Kashmir. This event made Patel aggressive. He sent a regiment of army to merge two states of Junagarh. On the other hand, a large movement started against Nawab in Junagarh. By this time Nawab fled away to Pakistan. After some time Shah Nawaz, Diwan of Junagarh was compelled to hand over the administration of Junagarh to India. In February 1948, a referendum was held, which was largely in favour of India. It resulted in the merger of Junagarh in India.