Why did Gandhi allow Bhagat Singh to Hang
Gandhi was a leader of the freedom movement during the days of the Raj. One aspect of his character has never been explained. It is now known that he opposed all those who did not agree with his philosophy of Ahimsa and non-violence. He had no concerns, even if such men were sent to the gallows. One of the persons who he opposed tooth and nail was the great Indian revolutionary named Bhagat Singh.
Bhagat Singh was arrested by the British and tried for throwing a bomb in the legislative assembly of the Punjab State. No body was injured as Bhagat had no intention to kill anyone. He and his colleagues were arrested by the British and tried for ” waging war against the state“. The expected verdict came and Bhagat Singh and his associates were all sentenced to death.
Many people approached Gandhi to draft an appeal to the Viceroy to commute the death sentence to life in prison. There were indications that such an appeal would be given due consideration by the Viceroy. Unfortunately Gandhi flatly refused to issue any appeal. His secretary Pyarelal later opined that Gandhi was scared of the popularity of Bhagat Singh and wished that he be removed as an obstacle to his dream of leading India. He thus acquiesced with the hanging of Bhagat Singh , who was hanged to death in Lahore jail in 1931. This will remain a black mark in the life of Gandhi and no amount of explanations can wash away the fact that Gandhi perhaps behaved in a selfish way.
Gandhi was greeted by black flags all over India , but the old man remained unperturbed. The old man was devious as ever
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