Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi issued a clarification on Saturday following his criticism over his speech delivered on January 23, wherein he appeared to attribute more significance to Subhas Chandra Bose in India's Independence struggle compared to Mahatma Gandhi.
Speaking on the occasion of Subhas Chandra Bose's 127th birth anniversary in Chennai, the Governor highlighted the role of Bose's military resistance, suggesting that it played a pivotal role in expelling the British from India, especially after the decline of the Non-Cooperation movement post-Second World War.
His remarks drew strong criticism from Congress leaders, prompting protests including the burning of his effigy near Saidapet arch, situated approximately one kilometer from the Raj Bhavan in Chennai.
In his statement, RN Ravi clarified that his speech was misconstrued, with selective portions being emphasized to portray him as disrespectful towards Mahatma Gandhi. He reiterated his utmost respect for the Father of the Nation, emphasizing that his intention was never to undermine Gandhi's contributions.
However, he maintained that his assertions were based on factual evidence sourced from primary documents. He elaborated on how events like the Revolts of the Royal Indian Navy and Air Force in February 1946, inspired by Bose, significantly influenced the British decision to exit India. According to Ravi, these uprisings instilled fear among the British, hastening their departure from the Indian subcontinent.
Furthermore, RN Ravi reiterated his earlier statements regarding the impact of Bose's armed revolution on expediting India's journey towards independence. He underscored how the Quit India Movement of August 1942 faltered despite its initial momentum, partly due to internal conflicts within the National Freedom Movement and the pressing demands of the Muslim League for partition.
On January 23, RN Ravi urged the public to embrace and celebrate the legacy of Netaji Bose, recognizing his invaluable contributions to India's freedom struggle.
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