The Partition of India was conceded, and on 15 August 1947, British rule officially came to an end. Two new dominions India and Pakistan emerged from the division. The subcontinent was plunged into chaos: massive migration, widespread violence, killings, looting, and brutal crimes such as rape and arson. Among the worst affected were Hindu refugees, and the suffering witnessed during this time was overwhelming. Amidst this national crisis, Mahatma Gandhi's approach was increasingly perceived by many as pro-Muslim and anti-Hindu.
While the integration of princely states was underway, the Nizam of Hyderabad resisted accession, and Kashmir came under Pakistani attack. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, then the Deputy Prime Minister of India, played a crucial role in managing this turbulent political landscape.
The ₹55 Crore Controversy: Sardar Patel's Stand
One of the most sensitive issues was the payment of ₹55 crores (550 million rupees) to Pakistan, a financial obligation that had been agreed upon during Partition. However, due to Pakistan's aggression in Kashmir, Patel believed this payment should be withheld until peace was restored. At a press conference on 12 January 1948, Sardar Patel stated India's position with clarity:
We were therefore fully justified in providing against aggressive actions regarding Kashmir by postponing the implementation of the agreement... I made it quite clear then that we would not agree to any payment until the Kashmir affair was settled.
Patel viewed the withheld payment as a strategic tool to halt Pakistani aggression. In wartime, cutting off the enemy's lifeline is as crucial as fighting on the battlefield. Withholding the funds was seen as a non-violent yet effective countermeasure, intended to pressure Pakistan to stop its incursion into Kashmir.
Patel viewed the withheld payment as a strategic tool to halt Pakistani aggression. In wartime, cutting off the enemy's lifeline is as crucial as fighting on the battlefield. Withholding the funds was seen as a non-violent yet effective countermeasure, intended to pressure Pakistan to stop its incursion into Kashmir.
This decision was hailed by many as wise and far-sighted, echoing similar actions taken in later years, such as during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, when Indian forces marched toward Lahore under Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Gandhi's Fast and Moral Pressure
At this critical juncture, Gandhiji was in Delhi, where senior government leaders regularly consulted him on political matters. However, Gandhi strongly opposed the decision to withhold the payment. He believed it violated the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence) and moral righteousness.
On 12 January 1948, Gandhi issued a bold threat: unless the Government reversed its decision and paid the ₹55 crores to Pakistan, he would undertake a fast unto death.From a sermon delivered that day, it is clear that Gandhi had tried and failed to persuade the Government:
A time comes when a worshipper of Ahimsa is forced to start fast to express his opposition to any injustice to society... Such a critical moment has come for me.
This was a moment of deep conflict. Sardar Patel, known for his unflinching resolve, stood firm in his decision. According to Maulana Azad, Patel even left Delhi in protest against Gandhi's fast. But on 13 January 1948, Gandhi began his hunger strike regardless.
Government Capitulates Under Pressure
Gandhi's fast generated immense emotional and political pressure. On 17 January 1948, the Government of India capitulated. A press note was issued stating that:
Given the appeal made by Gandhiji to the nation, the Government has decided to remove the one cause of suspicion and friction between the two States... They make this spontaneous gesture in the earnest hope that it will help in producing an atmosphere of goodwill for which Gandhiji is suffering crucifixion of the flesh...
Thus, the payment to Pakistan was resumed, effectively bringing Sardar Patel's policy to an end. Despite India's generous gesture, Pakistan did not alter its stance on Kashmir. The violence and invasion continued unabated.
The Role of 'Hindu Rashtra' and Godse's Radicalization
At this time, Nathuram Vinayak Godse and Narayan Dattatraya Apte were running a daily newspaper named 'Hindu Rashtra' (formerly 'Agrani'). As the creation of Pakistan became a reality, the paper's editorials grew increasingly critical of Gandhi and his policies. Their tone turned sharper with every passing day.
On 12 January 1948, Godse saw the teleprinter news that Gandhi was going to fast. He immediately recognized it as an attempt to force the Government to reverse its decision on the ₹55 crore payment. This, in Godse's view, was a national betrayal. Already filled with resentment due to what he perceived as Gandhi's consistent anti-Hindu stance, this incident pushed him to the brink.
Godse concluded that Gandhi's actions posed a threat to the democratic functioning of the Government and the nation's integrity. He believed drastic action was necessary. For him, the decision to assassinate Gandhi became a perceived patriotic duty .
The First Attempt: Bomb on 20 January
On 20 January 1948, a bomb exploded at Gandhi's prayer meeting. Though no one was hurt, Madan Lal Pahwa, a Hindu refugee from the Partition, was arrested on the spot. Police learned that he was not alone and that his co-conspirators had escaped.
Security was tightened at Birla House, and the search for others continued. Despite the increased vigilance, the attackers remained elusive.
Gandhi's Assassination on 30 January 1948
Just ten days later, on 30 January 1948 at 5:05 PM, Gandhi was walking to the prayer ground in Birla House when Nathuram Godse fired three bullets at point-blank range. Gandhi collapsed with a faint "ah", lost consciousness immediately, and died within twenty minutes.
Godse did not flee. He raised his gun and surrendered voluntarily to the authorities.
Godse's Mindset and Encounter with Devdas Gandhi
From the beginning, Godse understood the gravity of his act. He anticipated being labeled a fanatic or lunatic, and immediately requested that his mental and physical health be formally documented.
After his arrest, he was held briefly at Tughlaq Road, then transferred to Parliament Street police station. One notable incident occurred there Devadas Gandhi, son of Mahatma Gandhi and editor of The Hindustan Times, came to see him.
Godse, standing calmly by the bars, recognized him:
You are Shri Devadas Gandhi, I suppose?
Yes, but how did you recognize me? asked Devadas.
We met recently at a press conference. You had come as the editor of The Hindustan Times. I am Nathuram Godse, editor of Hindu Rashtra. I, too, was present. Today, you have lost your father, and I am the cause of that tragedy. Please believe me—I had no personal hatred, grudge, or evil intention toward you.
Devadas, though mourning, was struck by Godse's composed demeanor and respectful tone. He asked him, “Why did you do it?” Godse replied:
The reason is purely political, and political alone. Would you listen to me for half an hour? As an editor, you'll understand the background.
However, the police did not permit further conversation.