12-JULY-2025, 01:00PM
In a statement that has ignited fresh political controversy, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey alleged that the Indian National Congress was not founded by freedom fighters alone, but was instead “born out of an industrial house.” His claim, made during a fiery speech in Parliament, has triggered backlash from Congress leaders and political analysts alike, with many accusing him of trying to rewrite history for political gain.
This is not the first time Nishikant Dubey, a BJP parliamentarian from Jharkhand’s Godda constituency, has made headlines for bold and provocative statements. But his latest remark digs deep into India’s political roots and has drawn sharp reactions across party lines.
Nishikant Dubey Links Congress Origins to Corporate Interests
Nishikant Dubey : Parliament Speech That Sparked the Debate
While speaking during a parliamentary debate on political funding and party transparency, Nishikant Dubey made an unexpected turn in his speech, stating:
“The Congress party, contrary to popular belief, was not just a political movement born from the freedom struggle. It was formed with significant influence from an industrial house, to serve their own interests.”
Though Dubey did not name any specific industrial family, his comments are widely believed to refer to the Tata or Birla business groups, both of which have historic ties to India’s political and industrial history.
His statement was met with loud protests from Congress MPs, who demanded the comment be expunged from official records. However, Nishikant Dubey stood by his words and later repeated them outside Parliament.
Nishikant Dubey : Historical Claims or Political Provocation?
Political experts are divided on Nishikant Dubey’s claim. While it’s well known that some industrialists in pre-independence India supported political movements financially, linking the entire origin of Congress to a corporate house is seen as a deliberate oversimplification by many historians.
According to Professor Rajat Malhotra, a political historian,
“Industrialists supported the Congress financially at times, but the party’s foundation in 1885 by Allan Octavian Hume had different motives. Nishikant Dubey’s claim seems more like a political punch than a historical argument.”
Congress Reacts Strongly to Nishikant Dubey : Accusation
Nishikant Dubey : Congress Leaders Demand Apology
Several senior Congress leaders, including Jairam Ramesh and Shashi Tharoor, slammed Nishikant Dubey for what they called “an attack on the legacy of India’s freedom struggle.” In a press conference, Ramesh said:
“This is an insult to Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and countless freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the country. The BJP is trying to distort history just to score cheap political points.”
Shashi Tharoor echoed the sentiment, calling the remarks “ignorant and deeply disrespectful.”
“Let’s Debate History Openly,” Says Dubey
Doubling down on his remarks, Nishikant Dubey challenged Congress leaders to a public debate on the party’s origins and its alleged proximity to corporate elites throughout its history.
He stated,
“Let’s talk openly. Congress has long benefited from business backing. I’ve only pointed out what many historians know but don’t say publicly.”
Dubey also took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share snippets of books and articles referencing early industrial patronage of the Congress, sparking heated debates online.
Nishikant Dubey : Political Style: Bold, Blunt, and Controversial
:Known for Provocative Statements
Nishikant Dubey has gained a reputation within BJP circles as a vocal and aggressive MP who does not shy away from controversial topics. He has previously stirred debate on issues like media bias, corruption in opposition-led states, and foreign influence on Indian politics.
His latest comments about the Congress party seem to follow this pattern—stoking controversy while keeping the focus on narratives that suit BJP’s ideological stance.
Support from BJP Ranks
While some within the political community have criticized Dubey’s tone, many in the BJP have supported his statement. Party spokespersons have pointed out that it is time to look at Congress’s historic alliances with industrialists with a critical eye, especially given the party’s own accusations about “crony capitalism” under the Modi government.
BJP leaders praised Nishikant Dubey for “calling out Congress’s hypocrisy” and bringing historical truths into mainstream discussion.
The Larger Context: Corporate Funding and Indian Politics
Congress’s Historic Industrial Connections
It’s a well-documented fact that several prominent Indian business families were aligned with the Congress Party during the independence movement and in the decades that followed. Industrialists like G.D. Birla had close personal and professional relationships with top Congress leaders.
However, historians argue that these relationships were complex and not indicative of corporate control over the party’s core ideology or decision-making.
Nonetheless, Nishikant Dubey’s remarks have renewed interest in the evolving relationship between Indian political parties and business houses—a topic that continues to dominate headlines in modern electoral politics.
Hypocrisy or Political Theater?
While BJP accuses the Congress of historical hypocrisy, critics argue that both major parties today benefit from opaque political donations and corporate ties. Electoral bond controversies and the recent Supreme Court ruling on political funding have once again exposed how deep-rooted corporate influence is in Indian democracy.
Nishikant Dubey’s comments may serve as a strategic distraction or a genuine call for more transparency, depending on which side of the aisle one belongs to.
Public Reactions and Media Response
Mixed Reactions from Voters and Viewers
The Indian public is sharply divided in its response to Nishikant Dubey’s statement. While BJP supporters on social media have lauded him for speaking “truth to power,” Congress loyalists have accused him of insulting India’s independence legacy.
Television debates and online polls show mixed responses, with some viewers curious to know more about the financial roots of India’s political parties.
Media Focus Shifts to Historical Legacy
News channels and digital outlets have picked up on Nishikant Dubey’s remark, dedicating primetime segments and op-eds to examine the truth behind political funding in colonial and post-colonial India. The controversy has triggered renewed academic interest in the subject, with several universities reportedly planning seminars on the topic.
Conclusion: Nishikant Dubey Reopens the Debate on Congress’s Legacy
Whether seen as a factual reminder or a politically motivated jab, Nishikant Dubey’s claim that “Congress was born out of an industrial house” has stirred national debate. His remarks touch on sensitive themes of history, nationalism, and political identity—forcing India to re-examine its understanding of party origins and corporate influence.
As both BJP and Congress dig into each other’s pasts while preparing for future electoral battles, one thing is clear: figures like Nishikant Dubey will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping political discourse—unfiltered, unapologetic, and undeniably impactful.
Source : ANI
