• Source:JND
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Madhya Pradesh Higher Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar has issued an apology after calling social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy a “British agent,” a remark that triggered widespread criticism. He made the comment during an event in Agar Malwa marking the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, claiming Roy acted “on British directions” and linking English education in Bengal to religious conversions by missionary schools.

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"During that time, missionary schools run by the British were the primary means of education, where religious conversion efforts were carried out. Birsa Munda, too, wanted to study, but after understanding the missionary activities happening there, he left the school and joined the movement against British rule," the BJP leader said.

As backlash grew across political and academic circles, Parmar released a video message on Sunday, calling his remark a “slip of tongue” and acknowledging Roy as a “renowned” social reformer whom he “personally respects.”

"I personally respect him. The statement slipped out inadvertently," he added.

The apology did little to calm the controversy. Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta said the minister’s statement was factually incorrect and an “insult to India’s reformist legacy,” accusing him of attempting to rewrite history to fit ideological narratives. 

"Was the abolition of Sati also some form of British brokerage? Those who were truly close to the British are today calling our reformers agents," he said.

Historians also rejected the claim, noting Roy’s pivotal role in abolishing Sati and advancing women’s rights and modern education.

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Parmar has previously drawn attention for controversial historical assertions, including disputing Vasco da Gama’s discovery of India and alleging long-standing distortions in official history. His department also faced scrutiny for directing colleges to add 88 prescribed books, many authored by individuals associated with the RSS.

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