| 28 September 2023
| Christie Anto
Bangalore, India - Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Basangouda Patil Yatnal has once again stirred the political pot by disputing the historical role of Jawaharlal Nehru as India's first Prime Minister. Addressing a recent public event, Yatnal made audacious claims that Subhash Chandra Bose, not Nehru, held the position of the nation's inaugural Prime Minister.
Yatnal's controversial statement sent shockwaves through the political landscape as he asserted, "Nehru was not the first Prime Minister, but it was Subhash Chandra Bose." He went on to argue that the British departed from India primarily due to the fear instilled by Bose. Yatnal cited a book authored by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, widely referred to as Babasaheb, to support his assertion: "We gained independence because of the fear instilled by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose."
Further elaborating on his claims, Yatnal stated, "After the Second World War, the British left. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was the first Prime Minister of independent India when independence was declared in a few parts of the country. They had their own currency, flag, and national anthem. That's the reason PM Modi says Nehru is not the first Prime Minister of India but Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was."
Basangouda Patil Yatnal is no stranger to controversy, as this latest statement adds to his growing list of provocative remarks. In August, he predicted the impending downfall of the ruling Congress government in Karnataka, forecasting its collapse within 6-7 months. Yatnal attributed this hypothetical collapse to internal infighting within the Congress party and hinted that the BJP would capitalize on the issue of corruption in the state.
The legislator's comments on Subhash Chandra Bose's role as India's first Prime Minister have elicited mixed reactions from political circles. While some BJP supporters have echoed his sentiments, many others, including historians and political opponents, vehemently disagree.
Historically, Jawaharlal Nehru is widely recognized as India's first Prime Minister, serving from August 15, 1947, when India gained independence from British colonial rule. His leadership and contributions to the nation's early years are celebrated and have left an indelible mark on India's history.
The debate stirred by Yatnal's remarks raises important questions about historical accuracy and political rhetoric. As India commemorates its leaders and freedom fighters, such discussions are sure to continue, with scholars and politicians scrutinizing the facts surrounding the nation's journey to independence.
In the midst of this controversy, one thing remains clear: the debate over who was India's first Prime Minister does not alter the significant contributions and legacy left behind by both Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhash Chandra Bose, two iconic figures who played pivotal roles in shaping the nation's history.
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