Madhya Pradesh's Higher Education Minister and BJP leader Inder Singh Parmar has found himself at the center of a major political storm after making controversial remarks about celebrated social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy, describing him as a British agent who initiated religious conversions.
Controversial Remarks at Birsa Munda Event
The contentious statement was delivered during an event organized in Agar Malwa district to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda. Minister Parmar boldly claimed that Raja Ram Mohan Roy worked as a British agent in India and was responsible for starting what he called a vicious cycle of religious conversion.
During his address, Parmar elaborated that the British government had projected several individuals as fake social reformers while actively promoting those who encouraged religious conversions. He specifically pointed to missionary schools as institutions that served as fronts for conversion activities during colonial rule.
Minister's Apology and Clarification
Following widespread public outrage and criticism from opposition parties, Minister Parmar issued a formal apology on Sunday through a video statement. The BJP leader described his controversial remark as a slip of the tongue that came out by mistake during his speech.
In his apology, Parmar stated, Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a social reformer, and he should be respected. The sentence slipped out of my mouth by mistake, and I am very sad about it. I apologise for it. He further clarified that he had no intention to insult any historical figure and emphasized his respect for Roy's contributions.
Political Backlash and Historical Context
The minister's remarks drew immediate condemnation from opposition parties across the political spectrum. Shashi Panja, a West Bengal minister and TMC leader, accused the BJP of deliberately attempting to demean Bengal's intellectual legacy and heritage.
Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta called the statement factually incorrect and described it as an insult to India's reformist legacy. He questioned whether the abolition of Sati practice should also be considered British brokerage, highlighting what he called a dangerous trend of rewriting history to fit ideological narratives.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy, born on May 22, 1772, in Radhanagar, Bengal, is widely recognized as the father of the Indian Renaissance. His efforts led to significant social reforms including the abolition of Sati and the promotion of women's rights and modern education in India.
The controversy has sparked a fresh debate about historical interpretation and political responsibility, raising questions about how modern politicians should engage with India's complex colonial history and the legacy of its social reformers.
