While addressing a public event in Bengaluru on Saturday, former Union minister and BJP MP Anantkumar Hegde recently called the freedom struggle a “drama” led by Mahatma Gandhi. He also questioned as to how “such people” come to be called ‘Mahatma’ in India.

The Lok Sabha MP from Uttara Kannada said the entire freedom movement was “staged with the consent and support of the British”. He said, “None of these so-called leaders were beaten up by the cops even once. Their independence movement was one big drama. It was staged by these leaders with the approval of the British. It was not a genuine fight. It was an adjustment freedom struggle.”

He also termed Gandhi’s hunger strikes and satyagraha as “drama”. He said, “People supporting Congress keep saying that India got independence because of the fast unto death and satyagraha. This is not true. The British did not leave the country because of satyagraha. Britishers gave independence out of frustration. My blood boils when I read history. Such people become Mahatma in our country.”

His remarks left the BJP upset and the party said that the Karnataka leader’s comments were “condemnable” and he may be forced to apologise as well. According to PTI, BJP said, “The party has conveyed its displeasure to him and asked him to take remedial measure. Any insult to Mahatma Gandhi is unacceptable.”

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