Bhulabhai Desai (Aged 69) born on 13th October 1877, was an Indian independence activist and renowned lawyer. He is particularly remembered for his defence of three Indian National Army soldiers accused of treason during World War II, and for his attempt to negotiate a secret power-sharing agreement with Liaquat Ali Khan of the Muslim League.
Bhulabhai began his political career by joining Annie Besant’s All India Home Rule League. He was initially affiliated with the Indian Liberal Party, which supported British influences, but he opposed the all-European Simon Commission formed in 1928 by the British to formulate constitutional reforms in India. His connection with the Indian National Congress began when he represented the farmers of Gujarat in the inquiry conducted by the British Government following the Bardoli Satyagraha in 1928. The satyagraha was a campaign by the farmers of Gujarat, protesting against oppressive taxation policies in a time of famine, under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Bhulabhai represented the farmers’ case impressively and was instrumental in the eventual success of the struggle.
Desai formally joined the Congress in 1930. Convinced about the effectiveness of the boycott of foreign goods, he formed the Swadeshi Sabha and persuaded 80 textile mills to join in, with the aim of building a boycott by Indian companies of foreign goods. The Sabha was declared illegal, and he was arrested in 1932 for his activities. When three captured Indian National Army (INA) officers were accused of treason, the Congress formed a Defence committee composed of 17 advocates, including Bhulabhai Desai. He passed away by 6 May 1946.
Bhulabhai Desai
(1877 – 1946) – (Gujarart)
Bhulabhai Desai (Aged 69) born on 13th October 1877, was an Indian independence activist and renowned lawyer. He is particularly remembered for his defence of three Indian National Army soldiers accused of treason during World War II, and for his attempt to negotiate a secret power-sharing agreement with Liaquat Ali Khan of the Muslim League.
Bhulabhai began his political career by joining Annie Besant’s All India Home Rule League. He was initially affiliated with the Indian Liberal Party, which supported British influences, but he opposed the all-European Simon Commission formed in 1928 by the British to formulate constitutional reforms in India. His connection with the Indian National Congress began when he represented the farmers of Gujarat in the inquiry conducted by the British Government following the Bardoli Satyagraha in 1928. The satyagraha was a campaign by the farmers of Gujarat, protesting against oppressive taxation policies in a time of famine, under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Bhulabhai represented the farmers’ case impressively and was instrumental in the eventual success of the struggle.
Desai formally joined the Congress in 1930. Convinced about the effectiveness of the boycott of foreign goods, he formed the Swadeshi Sabha and persuaded 80 textile mills to join in, with the aim of building a boycott by Indian companies of foreign goods. The Sabha was declared illegal, and he was arrested in 1932 for his activities. When three captured Indian National Army (INA) officers were accused of treason, the Congress formed a Defence committee composed of 17 advocates, including Bhulabhai Desai. He passed away by 6 May 1946.
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