Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari, often referred to as Rajaji or C.R., was born on December 10, 1878, in Thorapalli, Tamil Nadu. His diverse roles as a lawyer, writer, statesman, and devout Hindu significantly shaped India’s political landscape. Rajaji’s journey in the Indian National Congress and the freedom struggle was marked by his unwavering commitment to his principles and his visionary approach to governance.
Rajaji’s initial foray into politics was influenced by prominent leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, with whom he shared a close association. His admiration for Dr. Annie Besant during the Home Rule League days and his reverence for Salem C. Vijayaraghavachariar, a Congress Party founder, further shaped his political ideology. However, it was Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa in 1919 that profoundly impacted Rajaji, leading him to become a staunch follower of Gandhi’s principles of non-violence and civil disobedience.
In 1921, Rajaji was appointed the General Secretary of the Congress Party, bringing him into close contact with future leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana Azad, Anugrah Narayan Sinha, and Rajendra Prasad. As one of the top five leaders of the Congress, Rajaji played a crucial role in shaping party policies. His tenure in the Working Committee, from 1919 to 1942 and later from 1950 to 1955, highlighted his enduring influence within the party.
Despite his significant contributions, Rajaji never served as the Congress President, although he was the acting President in 1932. During this period, he played a pivotal role in negotiating the Poona Pact with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, ensuring a critical agreement on the representation of the depressed classes.
Rajaji was an early advocate for the Muslim right to self-determination, proposing the Rajaji Formula, which suggested a framework for cooperation between a future independent India and Pakistan. Despite its rejection by Muhammad Ali Jinnah and some Congress leaders, this initiative underscored Rajaji’s foresight in addressing communal tensions.
Known for his strong political convictions, Rajaji did not shy away from public disagreements with his closest allies, including Nehru and Patel, when he believed his principles were at stake. Nehru once remarked, “Rajaji represents fundamentally the highest type of mind in India,” recognizing his intellectual prowess and moral integrity.
Rajaji’s political career included significant roles in the post-independence government. As a member of the Governor’s Council in 1946, he held various portfolios, including Education and Arts, Industries and Supply, and later Finance, following Liaquat Ali Khan’s resignation. In 1948, he succeeded Lord Mountbatten as the Governor-General of India, becoming the first and only Indian to hold this position until the establishment of the Republic in 1950, when the office was replaced by the President of India.
Post-independence, Rajaji continued to influence Indian politics as a member of Nehru’s cabinet, initially without a portfolio and later as Home Minister after Patel’s death. His tenure as Chief Minister of Madras from 1952 to 1954 was marked by his efforts to implement educational reforms and promote social welfare.
Rajaji’s ideological differences with the Congress leadership led him to form the Swatantra Party in 1959, advocating for free-market principles and opposing the socialist policies of Nehru’s government. This move underscored his commitment to classical liberalism and his vision for India’s economic development.
Throughout his life, Rajaji was also a prolific writer, contributing to Tamil and English literature. His works included translations of the Mahabharata and Ramayana, which remain influential in Indian literature.
Rajaji’s legacy is multifaceted, encompassing his roles as a freedom fighter, statesman, social reformer, and writer. His contributions to India’s political and social fabric were recognized with the Bharat Ratna in 1954, alongside Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Dr. C.V. Raman, all hailing from Tamil Nadu. Rajaji’s life and work continue to inspire generations, reflecting his enduring impact on India’s journey to independence and beyond. He passed away on December 25, 1972, leaving behind a rich legacy of principled leadership and intellectual rigor.
Chutney on a Leaf: The Life and Times of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari (I)