3 weeks ago
Hindu Mahasabha sought British help in 1952 general elections
A long time ago, in 1951, India was getting ready for its very first big election as an independent country.
One political group called the Hindu Mahasabha was scared that the communists might win.
So their leader, Ashutosh Lahiry, wrote a secret letter to Britain.
He asked Britain to use its power and influence to help his group.
Britain said no and told him they would not get involved in elections.
The secret letter stayed hidden for many years inside government files.
Later, researchers found it in the UK National Archives in Kew, England.
The files also showed that other groups, like the Congress party, got money and help from countries like America and the Soviet Union.
It shows that even after India became independent, other countries tried to influence its politics.
A confidential letter dated 27 August 1951 from Hindu Mahasabha leader Ashutosh Lahiry asked Britain to lend 'the full weight' of its influence for the 1952 general elections.
The appeal sought to prevent the 'certain victory of pro-communist forces' and the formation of a pro-communist ministry in the province.
The British High Commission in Kolkata declined, stating in September 1951 that it was 'not in a position to take part in party politics.'
Declassified archives also show the Indian National Congress and the Communist Party of India received foreign funding and support in this period.
Former US Ambassador Daniel Patrick Moynihan admitted the CIA funded anti-communist parties in Kerala in 1959, with one payment going to Indira Gandhi as a party official.
- Who
- Ashutosh Lahiry, chairman of the Hindu Mahasabha's parliamentary board, who made the appeal to British officials
- What
- An appeal for British influence and support to prevent a communist victory in India's first general elections in 1952
- Where
- Kolkata, India; supporting records are kept at the UK National Archives at Kew
- When
- Appeal made in a confidential letter dated 27 August 1951; the elections were held in 1952
- Why
- To stop the perceived 'certain victory of pro-communist forces' and prevent a pro-communist ministry in the province
Sovereignty concerns
Anti-communist necessity
Seeking foreign help for elections
Sovereignty concerns
The Hindu Mahasabha's secret appeal shows an Indian party trying to let a foreign power influence independent India's first elections, undermining Indian democracy.
Anti-communist necessity
The appeal was driven by fear of a communist victory, and the article notes other parties such as the Congress and CPI also sought or received foreign support in the same period.
Blame for foreign interference
Sovereignty concerns
The Mahasabha was asking the former colonial ruler to intervene, which could be seen as an act against the nation's independence.
Anti-communist necessity
Foreign involvement was widespread - the CIA admitted funding parties in Kerala and West Bengal, and the Soviet Union funded propaganda - so the Mahasabha was not alone.
Key facts
- Appellant
- Hindu Mahasabha via Ashutosh Lahiry, parliamentary board chairman
- Letter date
- 27 August 1951
- Recipient
- British Deputy High Commissioner, Kolkata
- British response
- High Commission 'not in a position to take part in party politics' (4 September 1951)
- Target event
- 1952 general elections, the first in independent India
- MI6 spending (1948-49)
- £350,000 on covert propaganda in India and the Middle East
- CIA admission
- Funded anti-communist parties in Kerala in 1959; money also given to Indira Gandhi as a party official
- Archive source
- Declassified diplomatic records, UK National Archives at Kew
Quotes
Ashutosh Lahiry
Chairman of the Hindu Mahasabha’s parliamentary board, former freedom fighter and activist
“"The British Government must decide whether they should have a hand in influencing the course of the forthcoming General Election."”
theprint.in
“"I appeal to you to lend us the full weight of your influence and extend to us your whole hearted support."”
theprint.in
British Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata
Official responding to the Hindu Mahasabha’s appeal
“"The High Commission is not in a position to take part in party politics."”
theprint.in
Sources
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