“Rajaji opposed untouchability before Gandhiji”

Summary

The 14 February 1973 Times of India clipping reports remarks by H. V. R. Iyengar about C. Rajagopalachari (“Rajaji”), emphasizing that Rajaji opposed untouchability before Mahatma Gandhi. The report recalls Rajaji’s refusal to accept caste-based discrimination, including his breaking bread with Harijans, and notes his later participation in Gandhi’s freedom struggle. Iyengar also presents Rajaji as an early advocate of swaraj, warning that government could otherwise produce corruption, power concentration, and injustice to ordinary people. The article records Rajaji’s opposition to the Quit India resolution in 1942 and an account of his respectful but politically independent relationship with Gandhi in prison.

Key points

• H. V. R. Iyengar said Rajaji opposed untouchability before Gandhi.
• Rajaji was described as having broken bread with Harijans and challenged caste discrimination.
• The report links Rajaji’s advocacy of swaraj to concerns about corruption, concentrated power, and injustice.
• Rajaji reportedly opposed the Quit India resolution passed at the 1942 AICC session.
• The article portrays Rajaji and Gandhi as politically different but mutually respectful.
• A separate Swatantra Party circular announces a memorial convention and souvenir following Rajaji’s death.
• The circular presents Rajaji’s ideals as opposition to dictatorship and state intrusion into private life, while defending private enterprise and free enterprise.