Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi asserted that Mahatma Gandhi's Non-Cooperation movement, which dwindled after the onset of World War II, had limited impact, and it was the military resistance led by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose that ultimately compelled the Britishers to depart from India.
Participating in an event commemorating Netaji's 127th birth anniversary at Anna University in Chennai, Governor Ravi provided historical insights, stating that post-1942, the Non-Cooperation movement initiated by the Indian National Congress lost momentum. He highlighted internal divisions, including the Muslim League advocating for a separate nation, which diverted attention and unity.
Governor Ravi emphasized that the British, relatively unchallenged, could have prolonged their stay in India. However, Netaji, establishing a government in exile, led the Azad Hind Sarkar, supported by a military commanded by a competent leader, in ground battles that dismantled British strongholds.
He recounted instances of Indians in the British Navy's revolt in 1946, taking control of warships and immobilizing the Royal Navy. The Governor also mentioned the Indian Air Force's strike, inspired by Netaji.
Citing a conversation between then British Prime Minister Clement Attlee and Acting Governor of West Bengal, Justice PB Chakraborty, Governor Ravi revealed that, during breakfast, Atlee disclosed that the British departed India out of fear, feeling insecure after the Navy revolt and Air Force rebellion. Attlee reportedly considered the impact of the Indian National Congress's non-cooperation as 'minimal.'
Governor Ravi stressed the pivotal role of Netaji in inspiring revolts across uniformed services, compelling the British to acknowledge the potential threat to their presence in India. He concluded by expressing gratitude to Netaji and urging people to recognize and reclaim his significant contribution to India's freedom, emphasizing the need to integrate Netaji's legacy into the national freedom narrative.
