Madhya Pradesh Minister Apologises for Calling Social Reformer Ram Mohan Roy a "British Agent"

Madhya Pradesh Higher Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar has apologised after facing public outrage for calling social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy a "British agent". The minister clarified that the remark was unintended and described it as a "slip of tongue".

Statement That Triggered Controversy

Parmar made the comment while speaking at an event in Agar Malwa organised to mark the 150th birth anniversary of tribal freedom leader Birsa Munda. During his address, he claimed that Roy acted "on British directions" and spoke about how English education in Bengal had created a "vicious cycle" related to religious conversion.

He said, "During that time, missionary schools run by the British were the primary means of education, where religious conversion efforts were carried out. Birsa Munda, too, wanted to study, but after understanding the missionary activities happening there, he left the school and joined the movement against British rule."

Apology After Strong Backlash

The remark sparked criticism from several political and academic voices across the state and beyond. Following the backlash, Parmar issued a video message on Sunday saying, "While speaking on the life of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, I accidentally misinterpreted Raja Ram Mohan Roy. I deeply regret this and I apologize."

He further clarified that he holds Roy in high regard and added, "I personally respect him. The statement slipped out inadvertently."

Despite the apology, criticism continued as many believed the damage was already done.

Opposition Reaction and Academic Response

Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta slammed the minister and said the statement was historically incorrect and offensive to the legacy of Indian reform movements. He questioned, "Was the abolition of Sati also some form of British brokerage? Those who were truly close to the British are today calling our reformers agents."

He also alleged that the minister's line of thinking reflected efforts to reshape history to suit "ideological narratives".

Historians and scholars strongly rejected the claim and highlighted that Raja Ram Mohan Roy played a pioneering role in social awakening through his work on issues like Sati abolition, modern education, and women's rights, which are considered pillars of India's reform era.

Not the First Controversial Statement

This is not the first time Parmar has been at the center of a debate over historical claims. In an earlier instance, he said that India was not discovered by Vasco da Gama but by a merchant named Chandan and claimed that "we have been taught the wrong history" during a university convocation.

His department also faced scrutiny after directing colleges to mandatorily include 88 specific books in their libraries, many of which were written by authors associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.