CHAPTER - VII MERGER OF KOLHAPUR STATE AMD END OF FREEDOM MOVEMENT

Transcription

1 CHAPTER - VII MERGER OF KOLHAPUR STATE AMD END OF FREEDOM MOVEMENT

2 CHAPTER VII 344 MERGER OF KOLHAPUR STATE AND END OF FREEDOM MOVEMENT INTRODUCTION 1. GOVERNMENT SERVANT S STRIKE. 2. THIRD CONFERENCE OF KOLHAPUR STATE PRAIA PARISHAD. 3. PRAIA PARISHAD IN POWER AND SPLIT IN PRAIA PARISHAD 4. ASSASSINATION OF MAHATMA GANDHI AND END OF PRAIA PARISHAD MINISTRY 5. MERGER OF THE KOLHAPUR STATE AND END OF FREEDOM MOVEMENT 6. ROLE OF WOMEN S IN FREEDOM MOVEMENT AND FINANCE OF THE MOVEMENT.

3 INTRODUCTION 345 After Quit India movement and the activities of revolutionaries brought great change in the society. All people literate and illiterate became aware about their rights. In Kolhapur state many organizations of the workers were formed, the leaders who were very active in the freedom movement were also involved in these workers Unions. In this chapter an attempt has been made to assess the work of different organizations their strike and its effect on government. An attempt has been also made to consider the third sessions of Praja Parishad and the things, which led to get power to Praja Parishad. Praja Parishad got Power and had done some concrete work and split in Praja Parishad, meanwhile, India got freedom and then there was assassination of Mahatma Gandhiji. After Gandhiji s assassination there was riot in Kolhapur state and its effect and merger of state role of women s in the movement and fmancer all these things are considered in the chapter.

4 1. GOVERNMENT SERVANT S STRIKE: With the work of Praja Parishad there were many workers Unions were established in Kolhapur state. The leaders and workers of Praja Parishad were also working with the workers in the factories. They tried to understand the economic condition of working class, textile workers, workers in the factories, municipal workers, and labors on the field, Postal workers etc. the leaders of Praja Parishad created political awakening in their mind as well as the feeling to fight against injustice. After such awakening many organizations were established. Communist Party leders Shri. Hindurao Gandhi, Sou. Vatsala Patil, Mai Aetiwadekar, Sitaram Dravid established Veedi Kamgar Union in Madhavrao Bagal established Shahu Mill Workers Union in 1942 with the help of Com. Santaram Patil and Com. Yashvant Chavan. 2 Comrad Santram Patil and Nam Shete established handloom workers union in Rendal. Santram Patil also established a silver artisans association in Rendal. 3 i In 1944 onwards there was slowly set back to the freedom struggle movement, to accelerate the movement and for the preparation of next revolution 9th August Revolutionary group was formed by socialist congress leaders, in Kolhapur and its President was Shri. Shankarrao mane and its Secretary was Sathi Anna Chavan.

5 347 In this group Shri. Datta Shinde, Shankarrao Sawant, Anna Mangure, K.K. Kulkami, Wamanrao Kulkami, S.P. Patil, Prabhukar Mankar were leadeing workers in the 9th August group. 4 these peoples established different organizations. Sathi anna Chavan and Ram Ghorpade established Motor Kamgar Union. Sathi Anna Mangure established Kamgar Union, Sathi Prabhakar Mankar also established Press workers association. Talim sangh was established by these people but YD. Patil, Prabhakar Mankar Anna Pedulkar were leading in Talim Sangh 5 On 2411* November 1946 municipal workers sleepers workers in public work departments near about 1200 workers went on strike, they arranged a procession in the city and collected two hundred rupees. Die workers went on strike for two days and all the demands of the workers were sanctioned; the Socialist workers B.N. Rajhansh, A.D. Chavan, Shri. Chaehod, Shri. Dhohdiba Ligade Shri. Lad took active part in it. 6 In 1946 the government servants associations conference was arranged in Palace Theatre; Keshavrao Jedhe was its President. He criticized the reign of darbar and created wakening and feeling of proud among the workers. This conference was arranged by Navajeevan Sanghatana. Observing this darbar declared Navjeevan Sanghatana as unlawful then Navjeevan Sanghatana decided to declare strike, and the strike was started from 9* January All the workers of municipality, District Board,

6 348 Electricity Office Board, Workers of Health Departments, Water Supply Department, Mill workers participated in the strike. Private servants in Maharajas Darbar also participated in the strike. Near about ten thousands workers unity collapsed the government administration. The strike remained for eighteen days. It was a very big strike and good unity of the workers. Such strike was never before in Kolhapur. Because of the strike all the work of the state administration stopped. Each Saturday s darbar s procession (Chabina Palakhi) was stopped, there was not elephant driver and all other servants were on strike. There was no light and electricity and people suffered a lot. A meeting of members of working committee was called on In this meeting following resolutions were passed. 1. To organize workers and farmers to spread the work Praja Parishad in rural area as well as to strengthen it to solve economic problems of the farmers. 2. To think and consider the situation of strike in Kolhapur state. To think over the demands of the medical workers and other servants and to negotiate with darbar authority about the strike, following members committee was formed. 1. Bhai Madhavrao Bagal. 2. Shri. Vasantrtao Bagal.

7 3. ShrLNarayanrao Samaik Shri.Govindrao Upalekar 5. Shri. DattaShinde. 6. Shri. Prabhakarpant Korgaonkar. 7. Shri. Waingade. In Vishalgad Jahagiri people who involved in Yalwan Jogai case they were torchered and many people were arrested and cases were charged on them. The meeting condemned the attitude and policy of the Jahagirdar ofvishalghar. 8 As a leader of Praja Parishad Bagal decided to go on march on government office. A meeting was called and.decision about the morcha was taken. 13th January 1947 the day was fixed for morcha. Before that a meeting of all servants was called and demands were il fixed. A very large Morcha started on Monday 13 January. Near about ten to twelve thousand people participated in it Shri. Madhavrao Bagal, Vasantrao Bagal, Govindrao Upalekar, Narayan Samaik were with the Morcha. The Morcha came at Shalini Palace and leaders of Praja Parishad and the workers Union went to discuss about the demands to Prime Minister. Mr. Austin. After discussion Austin agreed to give salary and other allowances to all workers as Mumbai, darbar issued a notice and promised to pay according to negotiations. All the workers went on their work, as the strike was

8 350 successful. But afterwards the ministers started hesitating to fulfill the demands of servants as promised, Madhavrao Bagal started fasting since , it was against darbar, because the promise given to servants was not kept and their demands were not fulfilled. To discuss with the government Mr. Kamal Nayan Bajaj came to Kolhapur. He discussed and after the nine days Bagal drank juice of lemon and made end of his fasting. This fasting stirred the political situation in Kolhapur. 2. THIRD CONFERENCE OF KOLHAPUR STATE PRAJA PARISHAD On 3rd April 1946 Congress ministry was formed in Mumbai and as they got power all warrants on congress worker were withdrawn. The secretary of Kolhapur state people s conference Shri. Ratnappa Kumbhar was also freed from warrant. All prisoners in Kolhapur jail were also released by government order. 9 Ratnappa Kumbhar was a absconder and to offer him a purse of one lakh rupees, a committee was formed under Presidentship of Madhavrao Bagal on 7th June Though there ms not warrant of darbar or British Government on Ratnappa Kumbhar he remained absconded and was not coming in society so Madhavrao Bagal resigned the post of Presidentship of fund committee. 10 On Akkalkot Praja Parishad meeting was hold and they decided to hold the forth

9 fh 351 conference of Akkalkot Praja Parishad at Karajagi on 16 and 17 November and Madhavrao Bagal was selected as its president and such request was made to him. N.G. Gore Achutrao Patwardhan, Nana Patil were also invited for the conference. 11 On the Muslim people in village Pattankudi, Peta Gadhinglaj spontaneously called their Hindu brothers, and arranged a procession with music at 12 o clock at noon with tri-color flag. The procession came at the mosque and their Guru Mhamulal Saheb Makandar hoisted the tricolor on the mosque. 12 Well known writer and social worker Shri. Sane Guruji came on tour in Kolhapur state in March 1947, he on 19th March 1947 visited village Chikhali then he went to Pangire and met Kashibai Hanbar who suffered because of Police injustice. The main objective of this tour was to make free enterance of all temples to all untouchables. He visited Digraj, Ichalkaranji, Hupari, Kodoli, Bambavade, Malkapur etc. 13 Bal Chattrapati sixth Shri. Shivaji Maharaja died at age of 4 on 18th September 1946 and the question again to whom Maharani should adopt, the boy the queen is going to adopt should be grown up and adult enough wise. 14 Queen Tarabai decide to adopt Vikramsinha Powar of DeV%, according to tradition and culture there is not anything wrong such opinion was given on this decision by Kshatra Jagatguru Benadikar Patil. On 31st March 1947, Yikrannanh^ th

10 352 Powar of Devas declared as Chhatrapati Shahaji ruler of Kolhapur. About this incident Shri. B.V. Shikhare wrote to Latthe A.B., This event is a fruit of your efforts and its spoken everywhere that he will rule with your guidance it is also true. Everyone now know that your friendly relations with him. You therefore prepare such a pattern which will give responsible government to people and it will remain as a guide line to all other states. Guide the maharaja considering today s revolutionary situation. At the end of May Latthe was appointed as constitutional adviser of Maharaja. 15 Madhavrao Bagal wrote an article in Akhand Bharat and advised to the new ruler to follow the path of Chhatrapati Shivaji how he tried to improve the condition of downtrodden and peasants, he advised he should spend his every power and wealth for the welfare of the society. Madhavrao Bagal then declared following demands of Praja Parishad on 1st May Sovereign Power of the subject should be accepted. 2. Constitutional Committee should be formed from adult voters. 3. Provisional Government should be formed. In that ministry the majority of ministers should be of the Praja Parishad. 16

11 353 To get support for these demands from the people and to continue trhe struggle and make its preparation. Third coference of Praja Parishad was arranged at Goregaon on 24* and 25* May Shri Kakasaheb Gadgil was its President, Shri. N.G.Gore wrote an article about the conference on 25* May 1947 in Janwani, he wrote The third Conference of Kolhapur Praja Parishad is continued at Gargoti where Hutama swami sacrificed. Everybody was thinking that after ascending Ihe throne and considering all situation, the Chhatrapati would declare something for his subjects, everybody was dreaming about this, the President of Praja Parishad Shri. Madhavrao Bagal trust with love, honor and belief on Chhatrapati wrote many articles in his paper and tried to teach him an ideal way of ruling and hoped that if there would be any threat to Maharashtra and our nation from enemy like Nizam in such condition Chhatrapati should remain as Senapati and behave like his ancestors and their tradition. 17 Shri Warke was President of reception committee, Shri. Narayan Warke was killed in attack on Tuesday at Gargoti on , in order to honor Warke Swami, Bharmal, Saluke who sacrificed their life for the nation the place Gargoti was selected. The younger brother of Narayan Warke was President of reception committee. But there was background of groupism to conference. Bagal wrote that Efforts were made by other group that this conference should not

12 354 became successful. The opposite group did not tickets of the reception membership. The merchants did not help at all and because of that it was clear to know that which group is on which side. Kakasaheb Gadgil suggested Bagal to form executive taking equal member from each group, it was an attempt to make peace between two group. Then Bagal took 7 members from each group and formed executive and he became the President. The main resolutions passed in the conference were as below. 1. Provisional responsible Government of Praja Parishad should be formed. 2. The government s constitution should be prepared by Praja Parishad. 3. Adult franchises, direct selection such basic principles should be included in the constitution. Though the conference was held and many people attended it bthere was not any sort of unity between two groups. 18 The coronation Ceremony of Chattrapati Shahaji Maharaja was on 1st June On the same day there was proclamation of new constitution. The draft of new constitution was prepared by Annasaheb Latthe and Chattrapati Shahaji assured to implement the new constitution from the year But it was revealed that there was not any provision in the constitution to give responsible

13 355 government to the people. The leaders of Praja Parishad and Madhavrao Bagal did not like the new constitution. Editor of daily Pudhari wrote, Today s age is of democracy, Praja Parishad will accept the place of Monarchy (King) in the constitution but whole generation and socialist stream is towards democracy. It is request that the King should understand this and should make change in his behavior. 19 In this constitution the parliamentary council was of 51 members and out of them 44 members should be elected by the people. Such provision was made. The 44 seats which were elected by the people divided in the following way. 24 seats who pay five rupees revenue. 12 seats to the tenants who cultivate lands and pay five rupee revenue. 4 seats who have got some property. 4 seats people who do other business than agriculture 20 People did not like this constitution. Editor of daily Pudhari criticized it, In this parliamentary board, graduate and who have passed Matriculation have not any right of vote, which was there in early constitution. There was not need to malm to separate class of lands and tenants women and workers should be given importance in constitution, but it has not given. 21

14 356 This constitution did not gave enough rights to the subjects, so the Kolhapur state Praja Parishad called a meeting of working { committee and passed resolution and condemned the constitution. Immediately Bagal wrote a letter to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and informed that, As a representative of Kolhapur state Mr. A.B. Latthe has been appointed and he is going to meet you within two days to discuss political matter in Kolhapur. Please do not believe on Latthe s information and his talk, it is my request to you. 22 Shri Ratnappa Kumbhar remained underground from 1942 yet he did not revealed his existence, Bagal wrote he unnecessarily remained underground as there was not any warrant on him in 1946 onwards. On Saturday 9th August 1947, Ratnappa Kumbhar finishing his underground period come to Miraj from Poona. He was welcomed by Madhavrao Bagal, Praja Parishad, Municipality, Veedi Workers Union etc.23 PRAJA PARISHAD IN POWER AND SPLIT IN PRAJA PARISHAD: - In last week of August 1947 to 10th September 1947 more than five time the leaders of Praja Parishad and met Maharaja Shahaji and discussed about constitution and nature and peoples right but there was not any compromise. On 10th August 1947 Shahaji Chattrapati declared that for die purpose of defense, communication and

15 357 relations, Kolhapur state would join in Indian Dominion. On 15th August 1947 India became Independent Praja Parishad leaders met Shahaji Chattrapati and discussed about responsible government but all in vain. Again Praja Parishad leaders prepared to fight against the ruler. On 20th October 1947 Praja Parishad declared that if the Maharaja of Kolhapur did not fulfill the demand of responsible government of Praja Parishad till the end of December 1947, the Praja Parishad would start Public Hartal meetings, processions, condemnation, prohibition of liquor, prohibition of Tadi, prohibition 9924 revenue, non-cooperation etc. On 24th October 1947, on day of Dasara Chattrapati Shahaji wished to give power to Praja Parishad keeping some of the departments in his possession such as 1. Chattrapati private expenditure and its rights 2. Military. 3. Emergency. 4. Jahagir/Inam 5. Protection of minorities. 6. Right of foreign affairs etc. Avoiding all above mentioned subject Chattrapati decided to improve the constitution and give immediately responsible government to the people. For that purpose to make reforms in

16 358 constitution they decided to form a committee. To select the representative of committee they decided to take elections of Parliamentary board and those who would come on parliamentary board as elected representative, the committee would be formed among these members. An arrangement of provisional government was also made. 25 On 2nd November 1947 Chattrapati Shahji invited all the leaders of Praja Parishad and discussed about responsible government After the discussion Chattrapati Shahji agreed to give responsible government to the Praja Parishad under his control. It was told to Praja Parishad to form government as representative organization in Kolhapur state. After the discussion with chattrapati Praja Parishad and the Maharaja come to conclusion on certain points and both compromised on following points. 1. All the military force would remain in possession of Maharaja but its use would be done with consult of minister. 2. Recruitment of servants in Govt, officials would made with public service commission. 3. Maharaja should give his permission to sign a treaty with India and neighboring state.

17 The revenue minister will solve the problem of Jahagir and Inam according to law. 5. Election would be taken and then constitution committee would be formed, the Maharaja would accept this committee. 6. The ministry would be formed taking three ministers of darbar, four ministers of Praja Parishad and one Primeminister, there would be eight ministers, but Prime minister would participate in the discussion but he would not have any right of voting, as well as chief minister would be selected from ministers of Praja Parishad. Meeting of working committee of Praja Parishad was hold and Ratnappa Kumbhar put the resolution of above compromise for discussion and M.D. Shresthe seconded the resolution and it was passed in working committee of Praja Parishad. 26 Finally Chattrapati accepted to form Praja Parishad based ministry. The administration of finance revenues, supply and justice departments would be given to Praja Parishad. On IT*11 November 1947, the executive councils of Praja Parishad decided that Madhavrao Bagal should be the chief minister. Bagal wrote about this, I accepted the responsibility to form ministry. When a selected minister I not considered dispute among us. I wa$ giving more

18 360 importance to the organization than the individuals. Mr. Shresthe and Ratnappa Kumbhar were members of my opposite group. Lingayat population in Kolhapur state near about eighty to ninety thousand and Marathas were 7to 8 lakhs but I selected one minister from Maratha, two minister from Lingayat though they were not friendly with me at that time and also I warned them in the meeting of working committee that, Mr. Shresthi though my relations with you are not good now, and forgetting all this I have selected you as Minster. I myself Shreshti Kumbhar and Shri Khandekar total four, I formed the ministry. 37 Bagal formed ministry and for information he wrote it to Shaikh Abdulla, the President of All India state Praja Parishad. On 15 November 1947 at 4.45 P.M. the oath taking ceremony of above minister took place in the darbar hall of the New-Palace Kolhapur. 28 The Praja Parishad Bagal and his co-workers were thinking that they would start socialist rule and the government of workers and peasants would start soon; but Bagal wrote, Because of strong individual ambition Ratnappa Kumbhar demanded the post of home miubten al the time of distribution of portfolios and his wish was that I should remain a Minister without portfolio. I did all efforts to persuade his mind, threatened him to cut off relations but all in vain. We discussed a lot on the issue of the distribution of portfolio and it was made clear as following

19 1. Madhavrao Bagal. - Home Minister. 36i 2. Ratnappa Kumbhar- Supply Minister. 3. H.D. Shreshsti - Finance Minister. 4. D.S. Khandekar - Revenue Minister. Shri. Ratnappa Kumbhar and Shresthy did not like the distribution of portfolio of Bagal and they demanded meeting of Praja Parishad working Committee. On 17th November 1947 the meeting of Praja Parishad working committee hold and letter about distribution of portfolio was taken for discussion. In this discussion there were two groups and Bagal was defeated by one vote. Again efforts were made to join two groups; then after two days then out of fifteen members of the executive following eight members resigned. 1. Ratnappa Kumbhar. 2. Nizam Kazi. 3. MJD. Shresthy. 4. Shankarrao Mane. 5. B.S.Patil. 6. Dada Ramchandra Magadum. 7. BalwantNaik. 8. R.J. Bagade. 29 Then the eight members who resigned issued a public notice and explained why they resigned. They also explained all events since

20 3G and what happened in the meeting of working committee hold on But the Madhavrao Bagal wrote that After the meeting of all members of opposite group gathered in the house of Shri. Shresthy and at the back of that house Shri D.M. Salokhes house, was there where Bagal group gathered. Mr. Madhavrao Bhosale close worker of Bagal went at the backside of Shresthy s house and heard their discussion, he told that they were making a conspiracy against Bagal. When Bagal came to know about all these things he called meeting of working committee in the same place. 30 In this committee names of new ministers were fixed and with this list Bagal went to Maharaja Shahaji. He accepted the names. The new ministry was formed under the leadership of Vasantrao Bagal, the new ministers and their portfolios were as following. 1.Vasantrao Bagal. Chief Minister. 2. D.S.Khandekar. Revenue Minister 3. T.S. Samaik. Supply Minister. 4. T.S. Karkhanis. Finance Minister. These new ministers took oath on 19th November They joined in the ministry as the member of Praja Parishad. On 19* November 1947 Bagal declared that he had given right to be a leader of provisional ministry as well as right of distribution of portfolios. On

21 383 the other hand Kumbhar was saying that Bagai had not given any right of distribution. 31 Weekly Vidyavilas in its article, mentioned that When the leaders of Praja Parishad returned back from Maharaja s palace the dispute started for distribution of portfolio. The new ministry and Bagai s group decided to celebrate the victory day Vijay Din. On 30th November 1947, in Vidyavilas editor wrote an article and suggested that when there is split in the Praja Parishad victory Day would not be celebrated. 32 On 24th November Shri Ratnappa Kumbhar wrote a letter to Sardar Patel and explained the political situtation in Kolhapur. Ratnappa wrote Shri Bagai in his statement published on 19th November 1947 says that he was entrusted with the leadership of the Praja Parishad Ministers. This is quite wrong he had been not entrusted with such leadership and die power to allot portfolios amongst his colleagues, he would not have at all called the meeting of the working committee on 17th to consider these same matters. He actually called the meeting to place this issue before it and decided the matter in the meeting, suspicion lurked in our mind which proved to be true by later events that Shri Bagai was secretly in league with the Maharaja and that disregarding his own colleagues he was determined to use the Praja Parishad as a King s party and that too on communal lines. 33 But there is different opinion about the

22 3B4 meeting of 17th November Bagal had stated that he had got enough member to complete corum, though the eight members resigned 34 About the same meeting Bhadhavrao Bhosale said Bagal was not defeated, voting was not done on the issue of portfolio s only discussion was done and two group are formed. There were many members in the working committee and its members in the working committee and its numbers was more than fifteen th November 1947 the day was observed as Victory Day as Madhavrao Bagal declared it. a procession was arranged all ministers officials of darbar participated in this procession, on each comer arches were made flowers and names who sacrified for getting freedom was given to each arch. When the procession came in Khasbag Maidan, it merged into a meeting National flag and Bhagava Zenda was hoisted. Bagal delivered speech he said, Today we have got freedom and so we are celebrating this Victory Day. But some people are opposing us telling to other that power is in the hands of particuloar group, especially two papers Lokshakti of Poona and Vidyavilas of Kolhapur are making such propaganda. I am not communal Maratha, but communal group did not get any power so they are calling me communal. Last twenty-five years as a leader of Praja Parishad I was struggling with the Kings of Kolhapur, his Prime

23 365 Minister all officers who all are Marathas I encouraged the people against them arranged revolt against the King though I was Maratha. I fought with Maratha King and all his Maratha Officers to get responsible government and establish Peoples power. At that time nobody called me communal. Papers like Vidyavilas and Lokshakti use to print my Photo on the front page of paper as the leader. But came to know their communal attitude now, if I had been communal I would not have distributed two portfolios among Lingayats. It is clear that their conspiracy was Maratha should be defeated by Maratha. So they expected my leadership when struggle was continue. Bagal was leader but after the struggle victory was there. Bagal was declared as communal. When I started struggle they accepted my leadership but now they had made a conspiracy to expel me from politics and subjects should be alert about this. 36 Weekly Jyoti paper took an interview of Principal Khardekar th and published it on 6 December Khardekar said Chattrapati gave power to people it is not enough, but it is not good to not accept it. I am thinking that the policy of Praja Parishad to accept the Power and use it for the people and there is not anything wrong in it. How much power we have got is not important but the people who use the power they are important If the ministry is formed with honesty, efficient, determined and wise people they would get more power

24 3b 6 with their efficiency if the ministry is not efficient then all in vain. In thinking in this point of view Madhavrao Bagal prepared the first ministry was good; they would have get more power and rights. There was full support of Praja Parishad to them so they would have worked more. That ministry was very good for the administration for the first time; it does not mean that present ministry is not'good. The first ministry members were experienced and more wise, Shresthi s and Ratnappa experience would have became useful for administration. I do not know why these people resigned. I think that it would have been very good instead of giving resignation they would have joined ministry and served the people. The points are raised that Bagal is communal and he is secretly involved with the Maharaja, all these points are not true at all. If Madhavrao would have been deceived and would have agreed to some point, this thing should not be taken so serious and on this issue make dispute in Praja Parishad. Some people were thinking that though Bagal Ministry was formed complete power was not in the hands of Praja Parishad and there was split in it. So efforts were made to make unite between Bagal and Kumbhar group. On 6th December 1947 at 1.30 p.m. meeting was called in municipal hall under the presidentship of Dinkarrao Desai of Shirol in this meeting Shaik Sanaulla made a speech, he said, today we see the two group in Praja Parishad is a sad

25 367 thing, we are close to freedom today such type of split is not good. We should remain united. Then Bandappa Ghugare, Datta Anant Shinde, Madhav Gandhi, B.M. Rajhans, A.A. Patil, Sou. Vatsala Patil, Anant Katkol, R.L. Malabai, Shankar Kedari Patil, Dr. Gurunath Joshi made their speeches and a resolution passed, in the resolution it was stated that, The split in Praja Parishad today is very sad thing, it and to make unity between two groups is very essential for welfare of subject To make unity between two groups, this meeting is forming a committee of eleven members. This committee should meet to die members of two groups and should make the unity in the Praja Parishad. Before 9th December the meeting of Praja Parishad should be called and if this meeting would not called, this committee would lake further action. In this unity committee following members were included. 1. Dinkarrao Desai. Shirol 2. Vasantrao Patil. Karveer 3. Bandappa Ghugare. Gadhinglaj 4. Sanadulla Shaik Karveer. 5. Tatyarao Desai. Minache. 6. Datta Anant Shinde. Karveer. 7. Mahadev Gandhi. Malkapur. 8. Dnyanu J Sasane. Karveer.

26 9. Sou. Vatsala Patil. Karveer. 368 lo.dr. Shaukrao Dhoop. Katkol. 11.B.N. Rajuhans. Karveer. Then Dinkarrao Desai delievered his lecture and appealed Bagal forgetting all dispute a conference should be called and decision should be taken observing majority. Near about one hundred fifty persons were present for the meeting leading among them were. Shri A.A. Patil, kisantai Shete, Shankutalabai Vijapure, Manorama parulekar, Surendra Mithari, Veer Mane, Shankarrao Potdar, Pandurang Bhutkar, Ram Ghorpade, K.K. Kulkami etc. When ministry was formed Vasantrao Bagal became chief minister the reign of Bagal ministry was very short from 19th November 1947 to 22nd march 1948, hardly four months. But during this short period the Bagal ministry had done some concrete and good work. Their work in brief as below. 1. The Ministry took decision to give Rs. 40 per month as an honorarium for 20 years to the heirs 21 persons who sacrificed their life in the struggle. 2. All warrants related to political crimes were withdrawn. 3. The harijans and Shephards poor and unemployed people from Radhanagari, Gargoti, bavada area acres of land was given for cultication at nominal rates.

27 This ministry stopped the system of collecting 1/10 percent grain from the farmers. 5. To encourage art, Literature, ballad singing and wrestling, one thousand rupees sanctioned for each section. 6. The arrears of Rs. 500 from the poor peasants were given *» remission. 7. Ministry donated Rs. 7000/- for establishing a statue of Gandhiji in Kolhapur and Rs. 1001/- to the memorial of N.C. Kelkar in Poona. 8. Provided attention towards the improvement of roads for transportation. Some roads were prepared with help of people at Panori Solankur region. 9. This ministry gave protection to the production of jaggery and 10. A11 ministers decided to donate Rs. 300/- from their salary to Praja Parishad. Decision was taken to close race-betting shops. 11. Decision to erect Gandhiji s statue within the period of our months Bagal Ministry tried to work for society and improve the condition of people. 38 On the other hand Ratnappa Kumbhar was propagating and telling the people that the present ministry and some members are selfish they have made compromise with the Chattrapati and they are working for only one group in the society, they are taking advantages

28 370 of Praja Parishad for their group only. A meeting arranged in Malakapur on 30* December He appealed people to be ready to merger and declare that merger of Kolhapur in Indian dominion was his aim. 39 On 25* January 1948 a meeting was called upon by Bhalaji Pendurkar, the ex president of Karveer Hindu Sabha, to discuss the merger issue, M.B. Lohia, Ganpatrao Jedhe, G.H. Padhye, Dr. P.C. Patil, Santaram Patil and G.R. Bhede were present at the meeting and the general tone of the meeting was anti-merger. The reason stressed to anti-merger was to establish the rule of peasants and workers and to work for the welfare of the Bahujan Samaj. The merger was demanded by a few on grounds of inefficiency of the ministry, increasing private expenditure of the Chhatrapati and the army and adequate income of the state to run the administration of the state. A resolution by the executive council of Praja Parishad was passed, which demanded a self contained, self administered State of Indian Federation. 40 The Ratnappa Kumbhar was propagating of about the merger of state. On the other hand Bagal s group was against of merger, both the groups were arranging meetings in the villages and cities were explaining their views. On 13th January 1948 President Karveer Ilakha Maratha Parishad Dr.D.R.Dhanawade issued a paper and warned Ratnappa that He should not try to taste poison. To

29 37i forai a fedration of Kolhapur state except Kolhapur Shankarrao Deo, Ratnappa Kumbhar and B.V. Shikhare gave co-operation to Patwardhan states, but Dhanawde reminded this to A -I Ratnappa. Maharashtra regional Congress President Shri. Keshavrao Jedhe was telling the people that for the merger of state peoples opinion should be considered. Only Ratnappa is telling about merger so do not accept his opinion. 42 Newspaper Vidyavilas, Lokshakti and weekly Jyoti were publishing news of Shri. Ratnappa s group on the other hand Akhand Bharat and rashtraveer of belgaum were answering Ratnappa s papers. 4.ASSASSINATION OF MAHATMA GANDHI AND END OF PRAJA PARISHAD MINISTRY J.L On 30 January 1948 Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by t Nathuram Godase, after the assassination the whole nation was disturbed through riots, looting, burning incendiaries etc. When people in Maharashtra came to know that Nathuram Godase a Brahmin in Maharashtra assassinated Gandhiji they became mad with anger and started burning houses of Brahmin in cities as well as villages. The people who were the members of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Hindu Mahasabha were attacked by the people. The non-brahmins concerned with R.S.S. and Hindu

30 372 Mahasabha were also attacked. Houses and shops of Brahmins were burnt On 30th January a meeting was hold to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi in Bindu Chouk Kolhapur near about 20 thousand people were present for the meeting. Bagal in this meeting appealed people, It is our duty to not do anything wrong. On 31st January Hartal was observed in Kolhapur city and on the same day burning started in i Kolhapur from 9 am onwards. Bagal wrote about this Brahmin people came to me they were frightened, they told me to protect their houses, I immediately run and went where the mob was gathered. He requested to the people to stop the burning, but some people from the mob came forward and told that These rascals distributed sweets (Pedhe) with joy and took meal of sweet after assassination of Mahatma, but I told them love your enemy also you stop burning push me in the fire. People stopped their activities. I was going to Pendarkar s studio to stop burning but Shahu mill workers came forward as I was going in to the fire and stopped me. In the evening a very large crowd gathered on the bank of river Panchaganga. Such gathering of people would not have been in history of Kolhapur. I appealed people to keep peace, people promised me to keep peace. As I went home I got news that Dr.Bapats house was surrounded by

31 373 people and one was shot dead and many were wounded. My ministers were appealing people to keep peace. People became angry because sweet was distributed after assassination. Dagadu Bala Bhosale a Maratha shopkeeper sold sweets (Pedhe). So people attacked his shop, Bhalaji Pendharkar was not Brahmin but he was leader of RSS. So his studio burned, Nimbalkar was a Maratha but he was vicepresident of Hindu Mahasabha so his Yashawant Company was burnt. Then I went in some villages and requested to establish peace. 43 Principal Khardekar and Principal MRDesai wandered in the city and rural areas at village Muragud, Kagal, Radhanagari and established peace. There some time they took pistol in their hand and threatened people and protected Brahmin from loot and burning 44 Kolhapur State Talim Sangh played very important role in establishing peace and order in Kolhapur during the riot The members of Talim Sangh were spread everywhere in the state in each Taluka and Peta and in every village. Very systematic efforts were made by these workers to establish peace and order. In Kolhapur a committee was formed to establish peace in Kolhapur. Names of Peace Making Committee of Talim Sangh 1. Shripatrao Bondre, Shivaji Peth. 2. Annappa Padalkar, Gangawesh.

32 3. Keshaurao Jagadale,Mangalwar Peth Shripatrao Jadhav, Juna Budhawar. 5. Balwantrao Khare Patane,Shahupuri. 6. Keshavrao Sawant,Raj arampuri. 7. Pandurang Powar,Raviwar Peth. Y.D.Patil Secretary Shripatrao Bondre Vice-President Kolhapur State Talim Sangh. i All these members wandered in the city on bicycle and on!] motor cycle time to time to establish particular lanes were distributed to each group. 45 On 30th January 1947 Kolhapur s Prime Minister Surve as at Poona, Chhatrapati of Kolhapur was at Devas and Ratnappa Kumbhar was also not in Kolhapur, Madhavrao Bagal, Chief minister Vasantrao Bagal and all his minister appealed to people to keep peace but it would not proved effective. From 2nd to 12* February 1948 there was riot continued and Narasobawadi Jayshingpur. Bavada, Ichalkarangi, Gadhinglaj, Gargoti the damage because of burning was near about 90 Lakh rupees.

33 375 Madhavrao Bagal s opposite group got this good opportunity to furnish the image of Bagal Ministry. Ratnappa Kumbhar prepared a report of all events and 22 pages report ms typed and sent to All India States People s Conference, and Sardar Patel also. The core of the report ms that Bagal Ministry failed in maintaining law and order... It is said that the members of Ministry have secretly supported unwanted, undeserved, actions or that the ministry had deliberately ignored the situation. In the same report Kumbhar suggested a few solutions to overcome the situation. He recommended (1) the termination of Bagal Ministry. (2) Secular provisional Ministry should be formed (3) Judicial inquiry should be made of the riot occurred after Gandhi s assassination (4) Compensation should be given to those who suffered loss during the riot. (There should be ban on Talim Sangh. 46 All these recommendations made by Ratnappa Kumbhar to the secretary of All India Princely States Praja Parishad were accepted and immediate the action was taken up. On 18th March 1948 Shri V.P.Menon Secretary of the State Department visited Kolhapur state to enquire and report on the situation and events occurring in the state. Menon wrote the situation arising out of the disturbance was discussed between the ruler and the states Ministry and as- a result the ruler agreed to the appointment of an administrator nominated by the Government of

34 India. 47 Menon visited Ajara, Kagal, Ichalkaranji, Gadhinglaj and tried to understand the people opinion and the true situation : Selected men of Ratnappa Kumbhar s group met Menon, He told them that he was sent these by Sardar.Patel, inquiry would be made about the riot occurred here and this inquiry should be impartial for that purpose this ministry would be dissolved, and the administrator would be appointed here. This administrator would remain here till the election and formation of the constitute committee. The Chhatrapati agreed this plan and immediate action would be taken. 48 After this Bagal took meeting on 20th March 1948 and told that Menon behaved with me as chief officer he did not listen what I was saying but he told that the ministry was dissolved and an administrator would be appointed, and Chhatrapti agreed to it even Chattrapati not informed us about it, It was all against democracy. 49 Chhatrapati of Kolhapur could not take any decision though: Bagal was trying to oppose to the decision of appointing an administrator. j On 2 March 1948 Cap.V.Nanjappa (I.C.S.) ms appointed as Administrator of Kolhapur State, Bagal ministry also resigned on 22nd March Before all these events the dispute of in the two group was continue. Ratnappa Kumbhar called a meeting of Executive

35 committee of Praja Parishad in the house of Prabhakarpant Korgavkar in Shahupuri, Shankrrao Mane was its President 93 members were present for this meeting but some of them were of opposite group of Ratnappa Kumbhar. Six resolutions were passed in this meeting important one resolution was to merge Kolhapur in to Indian Dominion and other was Ratnappa Kumbhar became the President of Praja Parishad. In the same meeting Ratnappa appealed people to boycott the Praja Parishad Conference arranged by Madhavrao Bagal at Panhala on 9th and 10th of March. 50 On the other hand, Bagal called the meeting of working committee of Praja Parishad at Panhala. On 9th march out of 153 members 84 members were present to the mfeeting and it was clear that the majority was on Bagal s side. In this meeting resolution was passed that the working committee had fall faith on Bagal as a President. On the 10* March in the conference of Praja Parishad called by Bagal. 754 representatives were present out of Bagal told that the meeting called by Ratnappa on 7* March was not legal and was not according to constitution of Praja Parishad and the appointment of Ratnappa as the President was not A legal according to the constitution of Praja Parishad. On 17 March 1948 Bagal called meeting of working committee and in this meeting membership of Shri Ratnappa Kumbhar, Shershti, Bagade, Gopal Bakare, Shankarao Mane etc. 13 members were cancelled for three

36 378 years by a resolution. 51 Chhatrapati Shahaji Maharaja appointed Justice Coyaji Commission to investigate into disturbances that occurred after assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Coyaji commission made enquiry and made its report the main points of reports were as types of riot, 2) evidence of ministers participant in the riot 3) riots out side the cities 4) Talim Sangh 5) Causes of riots. Coyaji commission mentioned the R.S.S. Muslim league there was ban by the ministry but the there was not ban on talim Sangh. Some of the member, of talim sangh were related with the riots in the villages. According to report two ministers appointed by Praja Parishad Shri Khandekar, and Kharkhanis were found guilty of purposelyneglecting violence and these ministers encouraged people who were taking part in the riot. The report also mentioned that despite tremendous burning no one was killed, neither was there any incident of women molestation. 52 Considering all over Maharashtra, the riots in Satara, Sangli were more serious than in Kolhapur. But inquiry was i made only of Kolhapur State, Madhavrao Bagal wrote about this to the Government of India but it was totally neglected. Coyaji Commission when finding out the causes of riot heglected the police report and behavior of Brahmin after the assassination. The detail account of riot how it started and who were responsible how the Brahmin teased others and the riot started in Jayshingpur, is available,

37 379 the members of RSS Ramchandra Arjunwadka, Bhalchandra Arjunwadkar, Vithal Lokapur, Alatekar, Nemgonda Patil, Banu Jadhav etc. broke down the photograph of Mahatma Gandhi with feet and then distributed sweet and those who refused to take sweet they were bitten by them, then the riot started 53 Coyaji Commission neglected this reason. In Kolhapur though there was riot but not any case of murder or molestation of women occurred instead in Satara men were burned alive. 54 But its inquiry was not made at all. 5.Merger of Kolhapur and End of Kolhapur Freedom Movement When British government transferred the power to India, then the question arised of the princely states. Our nation got freedom by peaceful way, we have not fought and captured the power, it was a transfer of power and not capture of power and because of this we can t oppose the independent rule of states. As freedom was got to all people in British province, the princely states also got freedom and it was depended on rulers will whether to join in India or remain independent. Some states declared themselves as independent, some joined India, some state which were very small tried to form their federation. But the people in the state were alert about it. About merger of Kolhapur state, V.P.Menon wrote, We had left Kolhapur alone as we felt that the time was not ripe. Any

38 380 step might have alienated the feelings of the Marathas, who looked to the ruler of Kolhapur as their head. But in January 194B the assassination of Gandhiji led to serious rioting in the state, and an administrator was appointed. The financial position of the state was found to be unsatisfactory, and on recommendation of an administrative officer loan was granted by government of India to die State. Meanwhile, constant pressure was exerted on us from one quarter or another for its merger and it was even suggested that we should plebiscite. The unique position of Kolhapur and the possibility that any precipitate action would give rise to a regional controversy decided us against the idea of plebiscite. We felt also that without the free consent of the Maharaja no merger could take place. The Maharaja was eventually invited to Delhi for discussion. The conversation proceeded in a friendly spirit and in February 1949 the Maharaja signed an agreement merging his state with Bombay. His privy purse was fixed as Rs.10 lakhs 55 Parishad. Maharaja accepted merger without the consent of Praja The historic merger ceremony took place on Khasbag Maidan on 1st March Balasaheb Kher the chief Minister of the Bombay Province remained present for this historic ceremony.

39 381 Thousands of people gathered on Khasbag maidan to see the ceremony. Shri Balasaheb Kher said in his speech, Today this historic event is very important, 300 years ago Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja founded Maratha Empire, I remember this, Kolhapur was a part of Shivaji s empire and it was only state remained directly related to Shivaji. This only province of Maratheshahi today in merging in Bombay province and the rule of democracy is beginning here. 56 Before merger of State Captain Nanjappa was appointed charge he banned Talim Sangh on the ground that it was a semi-military organization, which use to create terrorism and violence in the state and hence it was declared illegal, Nanjappa arrested near about 360 people in the state among them the leaders of Praja Parishad were also there. Madhavrao Bagal wrote about this, he not only arrested him but also, A.B.Latthe, Dr.Dhanawade family Doctor of Chhatrapti s Principal, M.RJDesai, Shri Padalkar, Shri Mahagaonkar, Ministors of Prajai Parishad, Shri Khandekar, Shri Samaik etc, he banned the news, paper Praja and Akhand Bharat. After the merger of the state Ratnappa Kumbhar became president of Kolhapur Congress Committee. But before that Madhavrao Bagal called a meeting on 20th February 1949 at Bindu Chouk, Thousands of people remained present for the meeting,

40 382 majority workers of Praja Parishad Participated in it. In this meeting Madhavrao Bagal declare the dissolution of Praja Parishad, He was the founder of the Praja Parishad he said,: The working committee had took this decision to dissolve the Praja Parishad and the workers of Praja Parishad should join the peasant s and workers party (Shetakari kamgar Paksha) Bagal said about himself I am not joining any party but I decided to support peasants and workers party 57 After the merger of the state the work of Praja Parishad ended, and majority workers of Ratnappa s group s group joined Congress. 6. ROLE OF WOMEN S IN THE FREEDOM MOVEMENT AND FINANCE OF IT. The freedom movement in Kolhapur is not a movement started by men only from the very beginning women also participated in this struggle. When British attacked Samangad to suppress the revolt of Gadakaris. The garrison of the fort Shri Kadam was killed immediately his daughter in law chima came forward and started fighting with the British and she was killed in this encounter. Many women took active part in the work of Praja Parishad. jaybai Havire, Bhagiratibai Tabat were leading in it. Sou.Sonabai Sutar, Lilabai Nalwade, Nilabai Swami, Chandrabai Permar, Shevanta

41 38a Patil, Shantabai Kulkami, Shrimati Benade, Parvati Gurava all these women were involved in the Praja Parishad activities. Many girls were participating in the precessions arranged by Rashtra Seva DAI in 1941 Shrimati Malutai Dravid and Sudhatai Bahgawat were organisers of the women s Rashtra Seva Dal Branch. Thousands of women directly or indirectly participated in the freedom struggle. They used to give sheltar to the absconder and as well as were making arrangement of their meals etc. Suman Katre, Vatsala Patil participated in Processions and other works. In rural area women use to help freedom fighters giving the meals in die fields secretly. When government foiled to arrest absconder freedom fighter Mallu Hanbar, they captured his mother Kashibai Hanbar and gave inhuman treatment, some women suffered because of police treatment. Some women involved in the sabotage activities also at village pattankudi the women cut off telegraph wires, shautabai Kulkami was leading in it. At Dhamad, Yesubai Dhondiram Dhanawade, Junabai Tukaram Dhanwade, Dhondubai Bhau Dhanwade, Kamalabai Dadu Jadhav, Hirabai Dhondi Patil, Jijabai, Krishna Nalawade were arrested and were put in prison. In Nov. 1942, when police came in Dhamod village to arrest the absconder freedom fighter in night, these