MP minister calls reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy a ‘British Agent’; apologises
Shajapur (MP) (PTI): Madhya Pradesh Minister and BJP leader Inder Singh Parmar has triggered a row by calling social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy, an "agent of the British" who started a "vicious cycle of religious conversion".
After facing outrage for his comment, the state Higher Education Minister on Sunday issued an apology, claiming it was a "slip of the tongue".
Parmar made the controversial comment during an event held in Agar Malwa district on the 150th birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda on
"Rajaram Mohan Roy was a British agent. He worked in the country as their 'dalal', and started a vicious cycle of religious conversion," he said in his address.
The British had projected several people as "fake social reformers" and promoted those who encouraged conversions, he claimed.
"If anyone had the courage to stop this and protect the tribal community, it was Birsa Munda," he said, adding that missionary schools were the only educational institutions during the British rule and education was used as a cover for religious conversion.
The minister said that Munda had recognised this trend, left missionary education, and fought for his community and against British rule.
Following criticism for his comments about Roy, Parmar, in a video statement, said the remark "came out by mistake".
"Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a social reformer, and he should be respected. The sentence slipped out of my mouth by mistake, and I am very sad about it. I apologise for it," he said.
The minister said he did not intend to insult any historical figure.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy was born on May 22, 1772, in Radhanagar, Bengal, in an orthodox Brahmin family.
Known as the father of the Indian Renaissance, he ushered in an era of enlightenment and liberal reformist modernisation in India.
प्रसिद्ध समाज सुधारक श्री राजा राम मोहन राय जी ने अपने काल में समाज सुधार का बहुत काम किया है।
— इन्दरसिंह परमार (@Indersinghsjp) November 16, 2025
उनके लिए त्रुटिवश निकले शब्दों पर, मुझे दुःख है।
मैं प्रायश्चित करता हूँ.. pic.twitter.com/HlKhNP80cN
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Will give suitable answer on L&O situation in Karnataka during winter session: Minister Parameshwara
Bengaluru (PTI): Home Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday said that he will give a suitable response in the state legislature about the law and order situation in Karnataka, if the opposition raises the matter to target the government.
Opposition BJP has made it clear that the law and order situation will be among the main issues that it will raise during the winter session.
The winter session of the Karnataka legislature will begin in Belagavi on December 8 and will go on till 19th of this month.
"I will give a suitable answer (in the Assembly), if they (opposition raise), as to how the law and order situation is in Karnataka and in BJP-ruled states. Also, how law and order was there when the BJP was in power in the state, and how it is now with figures," Parameshwara said in response to a question.
ALSO READ: Indigo crisis: Shivakumar urges Centre to act immediately, bring situation under control
Speaking to reporters here, he said he is not saying that there have been no incidents in the state, but it has to be told as to how the situation was there during the BJP's rule and how it is now.
Asked about how the government will defend notorious criminals and a terror suspect allegedly enjoying preferential treatment inside the Parappana Agrahara Central Jail, the home minister said, "When the majority of the incidents took place, which government was there? All this will be informed in the Assembly when the issue is raised."
Admitting that such incidents have occurred under the current government's tenure too, he said, appropriate action has also been taken against those involved and the officials responsible. "But, old videos were circulated and it was projected as it took place now. I will explain each incident," he added.
To a question on Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into allegations of "multiple murders, rapes and burials" in the temple town of Dharmasthala, Parameshwara said, he would inform the factual position to the legislature, if raised in the House.
"SIT has submitted the report to the court. They have also submitted it to the government. If the issue is raised, we will inform the house. Factual position has to be told. What is there to hide?"
Asked about his meeting with senior Minister Satish Jarkiholi, amid leadership speculation in the state, Parameshwara said, some time the meeting with Jarkiholi might be on work-related matters as he holds a major PWD portfolio, while sometime it will be for casual political discussions.
"What is there to hide in it? We have met in the past too," he added.
