Kangana Ranaut, known for her acting roles, stirred controversy by claiming Subhash Chandra Bose, not Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, was India’s first prime minister. This sparked criticism due to her apparent lack of historical knowledge. However, is there merit to her statement?
Curiously, historical records show Bose indeed set up a provisional government for Free India in Singapore on October 21, 1943.
Let’s delve into history to grasp Ranaut’s perspective.
Why Kangana Ranaut Said Netaji was India’s ‘First Prime Minister’?
During World War II, Bose saw an opportunity to free India from British rule. He formed the ‘Arzi Hukumat-e-Azad Hind’, backed by Japan, Nazi Germany, Italy, and their allies. Bose became prime minister and war minister. AC Chatterjee managed finances, SA Ayer handled publicity, and Lakshmi Swaminathan oversaw women’s affairs. The Azad Hind Fauj’s officers also held cabinet roles.
Bose’s provincial government acted as an alternative to British rule, seeking international recognition. They issued stamps, currency, passports, and set up courts. In a passionate speech at Cathay Theatre, Bose called on Indians to fight for freedom.
The Azad Hind Government claimed authority over Indian civilians and military in Southeast Asia under British control. They also asserted control over territories occupied by Japan.
Though Japan handed over Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 1943, military control remained with them. Axis powers and Japanese states diplomatically recognized Bose’s government.
Also Read: China’s AI Election Disruption Plan Revealed by Microsoft
Untold Stories of India’s Independence Movement
In 1915, Raja Mahendra Pratap established India’s first provincial government in Kabul, assisted by Maulana Barkatuallah as prime minister, predating Bose’s Azad Hind government.
Together, they founded the Indian Independent Committee (IIC) aiming, like Azad Hind Fauj, for Indian independence with backing from Central Powers.
Supported by the Ottoman Caliph and Germans, the IIC sought to incite revolt primarily among Muslims in Kashmir and the northwestern frontier of British India.
Barkatullah was also instrumental in founding the Ghadar movement in 1913 in California, aimed at overthrowing British rule. Lala Har Dayal, another leader, urged Ghadarites to use US freedom to fight the British through armed revolt, not petitions.
Although the Ghadar movement faded after World War I, its impact on India’s freedom struggle was profound.
Netaji’s Family Criticizes Kangana Ranaut’s Historical Claims
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s relatives have criticized actress and BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut for her statement claiming Netaji was India’s first Prime Minister.
Chandra Kumar Bose, a grand-nephew of Subhas Chandra Bose, shared an article on X platform, expressing disapproval, stating, “No one should manipulate history for their political gain.”
In another post, he emphasized that Subhas Chandra Bose was not only a political figure but also a soldier, statesman, and visionary. He stressed that Bose was the first Prime Minister of united India and advocated for unity among all Indian communities in the fight for independence. He suggested honoring Bose by embracing his inclusive ideology.
Also Read: Kangana Ranaut in BJP’s 5th List
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1 Was Subhash Chandra Bose India’s first Prime Minister?
Ans. Subhash Chandra Bose set up a provisional government for Free India during World War II, but his authority was not universally recognized as that of a Prime Minister.
Q.2. How did Kangana Ranaut’s statement spark controversy?
Ans. Kangana Ranaut’s claim that Subhash Chandra Bose, not Jawaharlal Nehru, was India’s first Prime Minister stirred controversy due to its departure from widely accepted historical accounts.
Q.3. What was the Azad Hind Government’s role during World War II?
Ans. The Azad Hind Government, led by Subhash Chandra Bose, sought to free India from British rule and established a provisional government in Singapore, known as the Arzi Hukumat-e-Azad Hind.
Q.4. Who were the key figures in Netaji’s provisional government?
Ans. Subhash Chandra Bose served as Prime Minister and War Minister, with AC Chatterjee managing finances, SA Ayer handling publicity, and Lakshmi Swaminathan overseeing women’s affairs.
Q.5. How did Netaji’s family respond to Kangana Ranaut’s claim?
Ans. Netaji’s family, notably his grand-nephew Chandra Kumar Bose, criticized Kangana Ranaut’s assertion, emphasizing Subhash Chandra Bose’s role as a political figure, soldier, statesman, and visionary in the fight for India’s independence.
