What is the Hidden Agenda to Kill Mahatma Gandhi?

The assassination of Mahatma Gandhi continues to be a subject of intense debate and speculation. Nathuram Godse, the man responsible for this act, disclosed some of his thoughts and reasons in his book, “Why Did I Assassinate Gandhi?”

The Nathuram Godse You Don’t Know

During the trial, Nathuram Godse delivered a speech that moved the chief justice, Mr. Justice Khosle, and the entire audience to tears. Khosle noted that if the audience had been the jury, they would have pronounced Godse not guilty by an overwhelming majority.

Main Points Discussed by Godse

Godse highlighted several key points that led to his decision to assassinate Gandhi:

1. Payment of Cash Balance to Pakistan

One of the major issues under discussion and negotiations with Pakistan was the payment of the cash balance of Rs 55 crores due to Pakistan at the time of the partition of India. This issue was linked with Pakistan's aggression on Kashmir. Sardar Vallabhai Patel sought to withhold this payment until the Kashmir issue was settled. However, Gandhi did not agree with this decision and felt that withholding the payment would deviate from the path of non-violence.

2. Outbreak of Fanaticism in Noakhali

Godse described the outbreak of Muslim fanaticism in Noakhali and Tipperah, where 30,000 Hindu women were forcibly converted according to a report of Arya Samaj. This resulted in the killing or wounding of three lacs of Hindus.

3. Suppression of Hindu Values

Gandhi often suppressed everything that did not fit with his pattern of public activities. He made inflammatory statements that alienated many Hindus. His support for communal appeasement, like the Khilafat movement, contributed to the communal division and violence in India.

4. Lack of Independence under Gandhi's Leadership

Gandhi's leadership did not bring true freedom to India but left the country wounded. He supported the vision of communal unity at the cost of Hindu rights and valued Muslim sensibilities over Hindu ones. This led to widespread violence, rapes, and conversions to Islam.

Conclusion: Gandhi as a Complete Failure

Godse concluded his speech by stating that Gandhi had failed in his mission and had undermined India's sovereignty. He argued that Subhas Chandra Bose had the most significant impact on India's freedom, but Gandhi never supported Bose because he was defeated in the Congress committee.

Final Wishes

In his ‘will,’ Godse expressed his desire for his ashes to be thrown into the Indus river only when it falls under the Indian flag, symbolizing a complete integration of Pakistan with India.

Conclusion and Reflection

Nathuram Godse's statements provide a unique perspective on the events that led to Gandhi's assassination. While his actions were certainly tragic, his insights reveal the depth of the communal divisions and the complex issues surrounding India's independence and partition.