Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday stirred up fresh controversy by saying that it was not only the Congress that brought freedom for the country, there were others also whose contribution was not less than that of the Congress and the Nehru family and that soon the real history would be taught in the State.
The Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister did not stop here and further said that those who were selling martyrs' coffins during the freedom struggle became freedom-fighters. "The Congress changed the real history of freedom struggle after assuming power post-Independence. It was not only the Congress and the Nehru-Gandhi family that contributed to the freedom struggle and brought freedom for the country, there were others also," Chouhan said while addressing a gathering during a programme in Satna on Sunday.
Chouhan alleged that those who used to sell martyrs' coffin became freedom-fighters and the real freedom-fighters were pushed to darkness. He said the freedom struggle was presented in wrong way and recited a famous Urdu couplet, 'Unki turbat par nahi he ek bhi diya, jinke khun se jalte they chirg-e-watan, jagamaga rahe hein maqbare unke, jo becha karte they shahido k kafan' (Not a single lamp on the tombs of those with whose blood the lamp of nations used to light, while tombs of those who used to sell coffins of martyrs are shining).
Now, the real and correct freedom struggle would be taught in the State, he added.
Meanwhile, reacting over Chief Minister's statement, State Congress chief spokesman KK Mishra said, "The Chief Minister should name those who were selling coffins of martyrs', we challenge him to come and have public debate over the issue at a place of his choice. Moreover, boasting nationalism does not suit those whose ancestors were working as informers to the British."
Mishra further said that the Chief Minister has stirred a controversy and this would go a long way and it would be harmful for the Chief Minister and his party.