DK Shivakumar Targets BJP: 'Traitors Who Sided With British Now Lecture About Patriotism'

DK Shivakumar specifically criticised Shyama Prasad Mukherjee founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh (precursor to BJP) alleging Mukherjee had written to British, urging them to suppress Quit India Movement.

DK Shivakumar also condemned alleged efforts to diminish the contributions of leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru to the independence movement.

Source : File Photo

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress chief D K Shivakumar took a pointed jab at the BJP during the 78th Independence Day celebrations at the state Congress office on Thursday. In his speech, he accused those who had collaborated with the British during India’s freedom struggle of now lecturing others about patriotism.

“We need to protect the country from these wolves in sheep’s clothing,” Shivakumar said, as per a report on PTI, referring to the BJP. He stressed the importance of educating the younger generation about the significant role Congress played in India’s fight for independence. "More than 6.5 lakh Congressmen sacrificed their lives during the freedom struggle. Today’s Congressmen must be proud of their legacy."

Shivakumar specifically criticized Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (the precursor to the BJP), alleging that Mukherjee had written to the British, urging them to suppress the Quit India Movement. "His followers are today questioning Congress’s contribution to the nation. It was the Congress that built the national assets which the BJP is selling today. What is BJP’s contribution to the country? They are the ones who joined hands with the British," he said.

Shivakumar also condemned efforts to diminish the contributions of leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru to the independence movement. "It is important that we fight this and unite the country," he asserted, as per the report. "It was the Congressmen who sacrificed so much for the nation. But the people who were subservient to the British then are today wearing the patriotic mask and destroying the country."

Highlighting Karnataka's own contributions to India's independence, Shivakumar noted that the 1837 Amara Sullia Rebellion in the state was among the earliest struggles for freedom in the country. He also mentioned that many leaders from Karnataka played pivotal roles in the freedom movement.

Additionally, Shivakumar announced that the state government has formed a committee to plan the celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the 1924 Belagavi session of the Indian National Congress, the only Congress session presided over by Mahatma Gandhi.