Several royal scions across India have sharply criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after he termed their ancestors “pliant Maharajas” who were intimidated by the East India Company. They have termed his statements unfounded, unacceptable, and a deliberate misrepresentation of history.
Writing in an editorial in a leading newspaper, the Opposition Leader in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi contended. “The East India Company silenced India.” And accused it of resorting to threats, bribes, and alliances with “pliant maharajas and nawabs” to dominate the country. He said India lost its freedom not to some nation but to a “monopolistic corporation” that ran a coercive empire.
Union Minister and scion of the ruling family of Gwalior until India gained independence in 1947, Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia, attacked Rahul Gandhi for his remark. Scindia said Gandhi was humiliating Bharat Mata- that is, India, as a mother. And should learn about the real freedom fighters of India. Drawing from historical figures who resisted foreign domination, Scindia continued. Mahadji Scindia, Yuvraj Bir Tikendrajit, Kittur Chennamma, and Rani Velu Nachiyar.
“If you are on about ‘uplifting’ the nation, then stop insulting Bharat Mata and read about real Indian heroes. Your selective memory about your privilege is an insult to those genuinely fighting against all odds,” Scindia said through social media.
So did Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, granddaughter of Man Singh II, the last Maharaja of Jaipur. She mentioned the dream of a united India turning into reality only because of the substantial sacrifices by the royal families. “Baseless allegations,” Kumari replied to accusations and blamed Gandhi for misinterpreting historical facts.
She even lashed out at Mr. Rahul Gandhi’s move to tarnish the images of erstwhile royal families of India. “Because of the sacrifices of these families, the dream of an integrated India was possible. Such allegations defaming them based on half-baked facts are completely unacceptable,” she said in a message via social media.
Chaitanya Raj Singh, the scion of the family that once ruled over the Kingdom of Jaisalmer, has also dismissed these allegations of Gandhi. “It’s an unfounded claim. The royal families have earned respect throughout history for their valor and service to the country. Furthermore, their contributions continue to be acknowledged by people across India”.
“Rahul Gandhi’s baseless allegations regarding our royal families are unbearable. Love and respect we get from people across India reflect the valor and selfless services of our ancestors”, Singh shared on social media.
Member of Mewar royal family and Rajasthan MLA Vishvaraj Singh attacked from the Nathdwara constituency. Asking if it was out of ignorance of Gandhi or misrepresentation.
“Is it ignorance or intentional misrepresentation-this monopoly to malign?” asked Singh.
ANI
