Bihar Governor Rajendra Arlekar has sparked controversy by claiming that the British left India not because of Satyagraha but because Indians took up arms, making the colonial rulers realise they could go to any extent for independence.
The remarks drew sharp criticism from the Congress, which described them as an insult to Mahatma Gandhi, the staunch advocate of Satyagraha, who spearheaded the non-violent struggle against British rule.
Speaking at a book launch on Friday, the Governor said, “The invaders tried to create a narrative. The Indian freedom movement was not without arms. They did not leave India because of 'satyagraha'. But when they saw arms in our hands and they realised that we can go to any extent, then they decided to leave the country.”
He also emphasised the need to present an accurate account of history, fearlessly and without hesitation.
Arlekar urged people to examine the speeches of British Parliament members from that era, which explicitly highlighted the armed struggle.
"They (MPs) not only mentioned Satyagraha but also referred to the armed struggle, which made the British realise that it was time for them to leave India," he said.
Referring to written history, the Governor further alleged that the Indian Council for Historical Research (ICHR) propagated a narrative that Indians were destined to be slaves. He also claimed this perspective was supported by the then government, without naming the Congress.
The Congress countered the Bihar Governor's remarks, accusing the BJP of habitually disrespecting freedom fighters.
“Amit Shah disrespected Ambedkar, and now the Bihar Governor is disrespecting Mahatma Gandhi. This is an insult to India's independence movement. It’s a well-thought-out strategy by the BJP to disrespect Gandhi and Ambedkar,” Congress leader Pramod Tiwari told India Today TV.
Arlekar is a BJP leader and former minister of Goa.
Samajwadi Party MP Priya Saroj alleged, “The BJP has not created any history. That is why they talk about distorting history”.
“These people do not live in the present but delve into history. They contest elections in the name of Gandhi and Ambedkar but do not truly believe in them,” she said.
The SP leader also asserted that the BJP is afraid of Gandhi and Ambedkar.
