Daijiworld Media Network – Bhopal

Bhopal, Nov 16: Madhya Pradesh Higher Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar has stirred a major controversy after calling 19th-century social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy a “British agent” and accusing him of aiding religious conversions.

Speaking at a Birsa Munda Jayanti event in Agar Malwa, Parmar alleged that the British had created “fake social reformers” to push their agenda, naming Roy among them.

“Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a British agent. He worked as their broker in the country. There was a vicious cycle of religious conversions that he started,” Parmar said, adding that only Birsa Munda had the courage to resist it and protect tribal society.

Parmar further claimed that missionary schools in the British era acted as hubs for conversions. He said Birsa Munda recognised this and left such an institution to fight for his people and against colonial rule.

“Birsa Munda realised the British were using education as a facade for religious conversion. He left the missionary school and dedicated himself to social service and ending British rule,” the minister stated.

The remarks drew a sharp reaction from the Congress. Party spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta condemned the comments as “shameful” and accused the minister of distorting history.

“Is the abolition of Sati also British brokerage? What kind of brokerage was this? Those who were actually agents of the British are making such accusations today,” Gupta said, defending Roy’s legacy.

The state BJP quickly distanced itself from Parmar’s remarks. Party spokesperson Shivam Shukla said the statement reflected the minister’s personal view.

“The BJP respects all great leaders. His statements have been misinterpreted by Congress,” Shukla added.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy is credited with leading the movement to abolish Sati, pushing for women’s rights, modern education and religious reform during the 19th century—efforts that paved the way for the 1829 ban on Sati.

This is not the first time Parmar has drawn criticism over historical claims. He earlier suggested that Vasco da Gama reached India by following an Indian merchant named Chandan, arguing that “wrong history” has been taught for years.