C. Rajagopalachari

Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, popularly known as ‘Rajaji’ or ‘C.R.’, was born on December 10, 1878, in Thorapalli, Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu). A lawyer by profession, he joined the Indian National Congress in 1906. He emerged as a pivotal leader during the Gandhian era, known for his intellectual rigor, administrative acumen, and unwavering commitment to constitutional methods.

Role in Nationalist Movements

Rajaji was a close confidant of Mahatma Gandhi and played a significant role in various phases of the Indian freedom struggle.

• Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22): He was among the first to respond to Gandhi’s call for non-cooperation, successfully mobilizing support in the Tamil-speaking regions.
• Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha (1930): Rajaji led the Salt Satyagraha in the Madras Presidency, marching from Tiruchirappalli to Vedaranyam. This movement echoed the Dandi March and was instrumental in breaking the salt law in South India.
• Constructive Program: He was a staunch advocate of Gandhi’s constructive program, actively promoting khadi, prohibition of liquor, and the removal of untouchability.
• Individual Satyagraha (1940): He participated in the Individual Satyagraha movement initiated by Gandhi against the British government’s unilateral decision to involve India in World War II.

Administrative and Political Tenures

Rajaji’s career was marked by significant administrative milestones before and after independence.

• Premier of Madras Presidency (1937-1939): Under the Government of India Act 1935, Rajaji became the Premier. His ministry is noted for introducing the Prohibition Act and the Agricultural Debt Relief Act to provide relief to debt-ridden farmers.
• Last Governor-General of India (1948-1950): Following Lord Mountbatten, Rajaji became the first and only Indian Governor-General of India. He served in this capacity until the transition of India into a Republic on January 26, 1950.
• Union Minister: He served as the Minister of Home Affairs in the interim government and later as the Minister without Portfolio.
• Chief Minister of Madras State (1952-1954): In his second stint as head of the government in Madras, he focused on educational and industrial reforms.

Political Stance and Ideology

Rajaji’s political evolution reflects a transition from orthodox Congress nationalism to a more distinct conservative philosophy.

• The C.R. Formula (1944): During the deadlock between the Congress and the Muslim League, Rajaji proposed a solution—the ‘C.R. Formula’—which suggested a plebiscite in Muslim-majority provinces in the North-West and East India to decide on the partition after the war. Though rejected by Jinnah, it showcased his pragmatic approach to the communal issue.
• Opposition to Quit India Movement (1942): Rajaji differed from the Congress leadership regarding the Quit India Movement. He argued that a mass struggle during wartime, without the cooperation of the Muslim League, would hinder the war effort and lead to chaos. Consequently, he resigned from the Congress Working Committee.
• Founding of Swatantra Party (1959): Disillusioned with the socialist leanings and the state-controlled economic policies of the Jawaharlal Nehru-led Congress, Rajaji founded the Swatantra Party in 1959. The party advocated for free-market economics, individualism, and minimal state interference.

Literary and Intellectual Contributions

Known as the ‘Mango of Salem’, Rajaji was an accomplished writer and thinker. His works aimed to bridge the gap between ancient Indian wisdom and contemporary readers.

• Literary Works: He authored simplified versions of the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, which remain widely read.
• Philosophy: He was a staunch advocate of individual liberty and rule of law. His writings often emphasized moral values and the need for a stable political order.
• Awards: He was the first recipient of the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1954 (shared with C.V. Raman and Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan).

Summary of Key Contributions

Trivia and Legacy

• Rajaji was the father-in-law of Devdas Gandhi (son of Mahatma Gandhi).
• He was a vocal critic of the use of atomic weapons and advocated for nuclear disarmament during the Cold War.
• Despite his disagreements with the Congress leadership on several issues, he remained a respected elder statesman, often referred to as ‘Rajaji’.
• He passed away on December 25, 1972, leaving behind a legacy as a brilliant intellectual, an uncompromising administrator, and one of the most prominent conservative voices in Indian political history.