The recent remarks made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding the historical relationship between the British East India Company and Indian Maharajas and Nawabs have sparked strong criticism from BJP leaders with royal lineage. Gandhi’s article, published in The Indian Express, accused the British East India Company of choking India by partnering with, bribing, and threatening pliant maharajas and nawabs. The reference to India’s royal families did not sit well with BJP leaders, particularly those from royal backgrounds.

Jyotiraditya Scindia's Response: A Call to Respect India's True Heroes

One of the most vocal critics of Gandhi’s statements is Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Minister of Communications for India and a member of the Scindia family of Gwalior. Scindia, who hails from a prestigious lineage, responded by urging Gandhi to stop insulting Bharat Mata and take time to learn about the real Indian heroes, such as Mahadji Scindia, Yuvraj Bir Tikendrajit, Kittur Chennamma, and Rani Velu Nachiyar.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Scindia shared the screenshot of Gandhi’s article and condemned the remarks, claiming, “Those who sell hatred have no right to lecture on Indian pride and history.” Scindia also emphasized that India’s legacy does not begin or end with the Gandhi surname and asserted that only under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership is the country’s true history and heroes finally being celebrated. He further criticized Rahul Gandhi as a “product of an outdated entitlement” who is out of touch with India’s history.

Diya Kumari Condemns Gandhi’s Allegations as Baseless

Another BJP leader, Diya Kumari, who serves as Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Minister, also expressed strong disapproval of Gandhi’s editorial. Kumari, a member of one of India’s royal families, called Gandhi’s remarks an attempt to malign the erstwhile royal families of India. She claimed that the sacrifices of the royal families played a vital role in the dream of an integrated India and that these families made significant contributions to the country’s unity.

Kumari labeled Gandhi’s allegations as baseless and a product of a half-baked interpretation of history. In a post shared on X, Kumari wrote, “I strongly condemn Mr. Rahul Gandhi’s attempt to malign the erstwhile royal families of India in an editorial today. The dream of integrated India was only possible because of the utmost sacrifice of the erstwhile royal families of India.” She further stressed that the royal families were essential to the country’s unification and that their sacrifices should not be undermined based on incorrect historical interpretations.

Jyotiraditya Scindia Responds to Allegations Regarding His Ancestors

Jyotiraditya Scindia, in particular, also addressed allegations regarding his own Scindia family’s role during the Revolt of 1857. Gandhi’s critics often highlight the alleged betrayal of Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi by some Indian rulers, including members of the Scindia family.

However, Scindia strongly defended his family’s legacy, specifically his great-grandfather, Jayajirao Scindia, who played an important role in resisting British colonialism. In an interview with The Lallantop, Scindia clarified that Jayajirao Scindia had supported the Rani of Jhansi, even to the extent of refusing British demands to use his army during the Revolt. Scindia noted that Jayajirao was put under house arrest and imprisoned by the British for his refusal to cooperate. He stated that these allegations of betrayal are incorrect, emphasizing the Scindia family’s unwavering resistance to British colonial rule.

BJP's Broader Criticism of Rahul Gandhi's Historical Views

The BJP’s royal leaders are now pushing back against what they perceive as a growing attempt to discredit India’s royal history. The remarks from Rahul Gandhi, they argue, represent a misguided effort to undermine the positive contributions of the Maharajas and Nawabs, who played key roles in India’s social and political landscape, especially before and during the colonial era.

Scindia and Kumari's objections to Gandhi’s comments reflect a broader effort to correct the historical narrative and portray India’s royal families as critical figures in the fight for the nation’s freedom and unity. The BJP’s royal leaders are advocating for a revised understanding of history—one that honors these royal families as true patriots who made immense sacrifices for the country’s independence and unity.

Conclusion

The clash between Rahul Gandhi and BJP leaders like Jyotiraditya Scindia and Diya Kumari highlights an ongoing political and ideological struggle over the portrayal of India’s royal history. While Gandhi’s remarks aimed to criticize the collaboration between the British East India Company and certain Maharajas and Nawabs, BJP leaders argue that these comments unfairly tarnish the legacy of India’s royal families, who they believe made crucial contributions to India’s unity and independence. As the debate continues, it is clear that the role of India’s royal families in the country’s historical narrative will remain a point of contention in the political discourse.

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