In a strong rebuke, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and other leaders from India’s royal families condemned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent opinion piece on colonial history. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Scindia accused Gandhi of disrespecting India’s heritage and undermining the contributions of India’s historical heroes.
“Those who sell hatred have no right to lecture on Indian pride and history. @RahulGandhi’s ignorance about Bharat’s rich heritage and his colonial mindset have crossed all limits. If you claim to ‘uplift’ the nation, stop insulting Bharat Mata and learn about true Indian heroes like Mahadji Scindia, Yuvraj Bir Tikendrajit, Kittur Chennamma, and Rani Velu Nachiyar, who fiercely fought for our freedom,” Scindia said.
Scindia went on to argue that Rahul Gandhi’s “privileged background” has created a disconnect from the struggles of ordinary Indians. He said that Gandhi’s views reflect a lack of appreciation for India’s complex historical legacy and the sacrifices of Indian rulers who resisted British oppression.
“Your selective amnesia about your own privilege is a disservice to those truly striving against adversity. Your dissonance only exposes Congress’ agenda further—Rahul Gandhi is no champion of Atmanirbhar Bharat; he is merely a product of an outdated entitlement. India’s legacy doesn’t begin or end with the title ‘Gandhi’. Only under PM Shri @narendramodi Ji’s leadership are the stories of our real warriors finally celebrated,” he added, emphasizing the contributions of leaders beyond the Congress party narrative.
Divya Kumari Criticizes ‘Baseless Allegations’
BJP leader and Rajasthan’s Deputy Chief Minister Divya Kumari also joined in, condemning Gandhi’s comments on India’s royal families. Kumari argued that the country’s unified identity owes much to the sacrifices made by India’s former royal families. She denounced Gandhi’s remarks as “baseless allegations” rooted in a flawed understanding of India’s historical past.
“The dream of integrated India was only possible because of the utmost sacrifice of the erstwhile royal families of India. Baseless allegations made on the basis of half-baked interpretation of historical facts is completely unacceptable,” Kumari wrote, expressing her disapproval on X.
The Backdrop: Rahul Gandhi’s Critique of India’s Colonial History
Rahul Gandhi’s editorial, published in The Indian Express, asserted that India’s historical silence under the British East India Company stemmed from oppressive policies and strategic manipulation of India’s regional rulers. Gandhi argued that the Company’s control was secured through alliances with certain maharajas and nawabs, whom it coerced through bribery and threats.
While his article criticized the British colonial strategy, his framing of Indian rulers’ involvement drew backlash, particularly from figures with a royal heritage. They viewed Gandhi’s interpretation as an attempt to undermine the contributions of leaders who actively resisted British rule.
As India’s political scene heats up ahead of the elections, these exchanges highlight the ongoing debate over India’s colonial past, its historical narratives, and the legacies of those who shaped it. For Scindia, Kumari, and other royal leaders, the recent discourse underlines a need to respect and celebrate a broader spectrum of India’s freedom fighters.