Rahul Gandhi's Remarks on Royal Families Spark Strong Reactions from BJP's Jyotiraditya Scindia and Dushyant Singh

 

In a recent rally in Madhya Pradesh, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made remarks that have caused a political uproar. Speaking at the Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan rally in Mhow, Gandhi suggested that before India's independence and the Constitution, backward classes had no rights, and only the kings, or "rajas" and "maharajas," held power. His comments have sparked sharp criticism from Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and his cousin, BJP MP Dushyant Singh, both of whom hail from erstwhile royal families.

Gandhi’s statement highlighted a stark contrast between the oppressive system before Independence and the newfound rights brought by the Constitution. He claimed that the poor, Dalits, backward classes, and tribals were powerless, with only the royalty enjoying privileges. His words, intended to underscore the importance of the Constitution in granting equal rights, were quickly criticized by the BJP leaders for misrepresenting the historical contributions of royal families in India.

Scindia Responds with a Historical Counter

Jyotiraditya Scindia, a Union Minister and descendant of the Gwalior royal family, reacted sharply to Gandhi's remarks. He accused Gandhi of being ignorant about the role royal families played in India's social and educational reforms before Independence. Scindia mentioned that several princely states, including Baroda and Gwalior, made significant contributions to the welfare of marginalized communities long before the Constitution came into being.

For instance, he pointed out that the Maharaja of Baroda, Sayajirao Gaekwad, financially supported Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s education, while Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur implemented 50% reservations for backward classes in his administration as early as 1902. These actions, according to Scindia, laid the foundation for social justice in India long before Independence. He also highlighted that Gwalior’s Madhav Maharaj I focused on education and employment for backward classes.

Scindia’s criticism wasn’t just about defending the historical actions of royal families. He also pointed the finger at Congress itself, arguing that it was the Congress party, particularly during the pre-Independence period, that created an environment of inequality and repression for Dalits and backward classes. Scindia suggested that Rahul Gandhi should study history more thoroughly before making sweeping statements about the past.

Dushyant Singh Weighs In

Dushyant Singh, BJP MP and a member of the Dholpur royal family, echoed similar sentiments. He labeled Gandhi’s comments as an example of "reckless 'hit-and-run' politics," aimed at gaining political mileage without regard for historical accuracy. Singh also mentioned the contributions of various royal families to social reform and infrastructure development. He specifically mentioned the Dholpur royals, noting how Maharaja Rana Nihal Singh modernized the state’s administration, built hospitals, and developed essential infrastructure such as roads and railways.

Singh emphasized that royal families played a critical role in shaping India’s progress toward equality, despite the lack of a unified national consciousness before Independence. He argued that undermining their efforts was not only disrespectful to their legacy but also unhelpful in addressing the current issues facing the country.

Congress Responds: "Good Deeds Don’t Justify All"

Not one to remain silent, Congress leader Pawan Khera quickly responded to the pushback. He acknowledged that a handful of royals contributed positively to society but argued that these contributions couldn’t overshadow the historical wrongdoings of many royal families. Khera specifically targeted Scindia, reminding him that until 1971, the Gwalior dynasty was receiving Rs. 25 lakh annually in tax-free income from the Indian government, an arrangement that would have continued had the Constitution not been amended.

Khera also took a swipe at Scindia’s royal lineage by quoting a famous line from Subhadra Kumari Chauhan’s poem, which commemorates the bravery of Queen Lakshmibai during the First War of Independence in 1857. The poem underscores the actions of the Gwalior ruler, Jayakirao Scindia, who sided with the British during the rebellion, an action that some political rivals still use against Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Historical Context of Scindia's Ancestors

While Khera’s comments may have been pointed, it’s important to note the historical context of the Gwalior royal family’s actions during the 1857 revolt. The Scindias, like many other princely states, faced a difficult decision between aligning with the British or resisting them. India was not yet a unified nation, and many princely states were concerned with preserving their autonomy and protecting their people from the British Empire's brutal retaliation. Thus, the decision of the Gwalior rulers to side with the British during the revolt should be viewed within this complex historical framework rather than through the simplistic lens of patriotism versus betrayal.

Conclusion: A Dispute Over Legacy and History

The exchange between Rahul Gandhi and the Scindia family highlights the complex legacy of India’s royal families and the differing views on their role in the country’s history. While some leaders like Scindia and Singh emphasize the positive contributions of these royal families to social reform and the empowerment of backward classes, others like Khera focus on the more controversial aspects of their past, particularly their ties with the British colonial rulers.

At the heart of the debate is the question of how history is remembered and used in modern-day politics. While royal families did play a significant role in shaping India's social fabric, it’s clear that their legacy is contested, and the impact of their actions is viewed differently by various political leaders. The ongoing conversation around this issue reveals the deep political divides in India and how history continues to shape contemporary discourse.