The Higher Education Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Inder Singh Parmar, has ignited controversy by labeling social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy as an “agent of the British” and asserting that he initiated a “vicious cycle of religious conversion.”
In response to the backlash over his remarks, Parmar issued an apology on Sunday, stating that his comments were simply a “slip of the tongue.” In a video statement, he clarified, “The remark came out by mistake. Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a social reformer, and he should be respected. I am very sad about it and I apologize.”
Parmar made the contentious statement at an event in Agar Malwa district, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda. He stated, “Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a British agent. He worked in the country as their ‘dalal’, and started a vicious cycle of religious conversion.” He further claimed that the British had highlighted certain individuals as “fake social reformers” to promote conversions.
During his address, Parmar lauded Munda for recognizing the detrimental trend of religious conversion. He accused missionary schools, which were the primary educational institutions during British rule, of using education as a facade for proselytization. “If anyone had the courage to stop this and protect the tribal community, it was Birsa Munda,” he emphasized.
The Minister argued that Munda had abandoned the missionary education system and became a champion for his community while resisting British domination. He noted that he did not mean to insult any historical figure.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy, born on May 22, 1772, in Radhanagar, Bengal, is widely regarded as the father of the Indian Renaissance. He is credited with promoting enlightenment and liberal reform across India.
Opposition parties have condemned Parmar’s comments. Shashi Panja, a minister from West Bengal and TMC leader, criticized the BJP, suggesting that Parmar’s statement reflects an attempt to undermine Bengal’s intellectual heritage. “If the BJP wants to axe its own foot, it is free to do so; but it cannot insult Bengal,” she remarked, noting that the state’s citizens are observing the “attack on the pride of Bengal.”
Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta characterized Parmar’s statement as factually incorrect and “an insult to India’s reformist legacy.” He asserted that such remarks reveal a troubling trend in politics that seeks to distort historical narratives. “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 said.
