BJP MP Anantkumar Hegde Draws Flak For Terming Mahatma Gandhi's Freedom Struggle 'Drama'

BJP MP Anantkumar Hegde attracted all-round criticism for his remarks that the Independence movement led by Mahatma Gandhi was a mere 'drama'. The former union minister from Karnataka who is known to make controversial statements, made these remarks at a public event in Bangalore on Saturday.

Hegde alleged that the freedom movement was staged with the consent and support of the British. Anantkumar Hegde observed that the Independence movement was a drama staged by Gandhiji and other leaders and described it as an 'adjustment' freedom struggle. He also termed the Mahatma Gandhi's hunger strikes and satyagraha as 'drama'.

The six-time member of Parliament also said that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) had nothing to do with Mahatma Gandhi's assassination. The Karnataka BJP distanced itself from Anantkumar Hegde statements and clarified that it does not approve of his views.

Hegde's statements came in for sharp criticism from Congress leaders and representatives of other political parties. Congress party workers in Karnataka staged protests against the BJP MP's comments.

Congress MP and Supreme Court lawyer Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi posted a tweet seeking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reaction to Hegde's comments.

NCP leader and lawyer Majeed Memon, questioned Hegde sarcastically as to how India achieved its independence if Mahatma Gandhi's fight for freedom was a drama.