Hard to say. Gandhi never held the position, but was the undisputed leader. Netaji might have been more influential than Nehru/Patel, but not Gandhi.
And with that influence, it was Gandhi's right to keep someone who so opposes his views out. And that he did. Had Netaji comparable influence as Gandhi's, he would not have been thrown out so easily.
Secondly, Netaji's approach wasn't acceptable to the majority of the country, given the kind of culture country has. That was the reason why Gandhi had such large following, much larger than Netaji ever amassed.
Third, I find it hard to believe that such an idiot, an idealistic fool as Nehru can conspire to such levels!