Trinamool Congress has strongly condemned a BJP minister’s remark calling Raja Ram Mohan Roy a “British agent.” West Bengal minister Shashi Panja stated the comment insults Bengal’s intellectual heritage and its people. The minister later apologised, calling his statement a “slip of the tongue” and acknowledging Roy as a respected social reformer. . NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday after its Madhya Pradesh minister Inder Singh Parmar called Raja Ram Mohan Roy a “British agent”. West Bengal minister Shashi Panja said the remark insulted Bengal’s people and its long tradition of thinkers. ‘Bengal Is Far-Fetched…’ Bengal Minister Shashi Panja Hits Back at PM Modi’s Jungle Raj JibeShe said the BJP was repeatedly trying to demean Bengal’s intelligentsia and undermine the state’s pride, adding that the people of Bengal are watching this “attack” closely.”If the BJP wants to axe its own foot, it is free to do so; but it cannot insult Bengal,” she said.Row erupted when Parmar, a BJP leader, accused Roy of religious conversion. “Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a British agent. He worked in the country as their ‘dalal’, and started a vicious cycle of religious conversion,” he had said.He further claimed the British had promoted “fake social reformers” who encouraged conversions and said missionary schools were used as fronts for conversion during colonial rule.His statement sparked strong reactions, forcing him to issue an apology later. He said it was a “slip of the tongue” and that he was “very sad” about it. Also read: ‘Not just a piece of land’: TMC MP fumes at PM Modi’s ‘Bengal’ remark in Bihar victory speech; offers ‘reality check’”Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a social reformer, and he should be respected. The sentence slipped out of my mouth by mistake, and I am very sad about it. I apologise for it,” Parmar said in a video post on Facebook.Raja Ram Mohan Roy, born in 1772 in Bengal, is widely regarded as a key figure in India’s reformist movement and the early phase of modernisation.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRSS-Linked Youth Shot Dead In Punjab’s Firozpur, Probe UnderwayKerala: RSS Worker Dies By Suicide After BJP Denies Local Body Poll Ticket In Thiruvananthapuram1 Dead, Several Feared Trapped As Portion Of Stone Mine Collapses In UP’s Sonbhadra; Rescue Ops On”I have no family…” Rohini Acharya Cuts Ties With Lalu Clan, Exits Politics Post-RJD DefeatRK Singh Slams Bihar BJP Suspension, Says He Only Opposed Tickets to Criminal Candidates‘Premature to Speculate’: Tharoor Hits Back at Farooq Abdullah Over Operation Sindoor Remarks‘Nitish Still X-Factor’ Pavan Verma Decodes Why Jan Suraaj Couldn’t Break Through in Bihar PollsIndian Coast Guard Holds Massive Rescue Drill in Paradip; Focus on Coastal Preparedness’MMC’: PM Modi Mocks Congress After NDA’s Bihar Win; Calls It ‘Muslim League Maoist’ Party‘Abandoned Tribals To Their Fate’: PM Modi Accuses Congress Of Neglecting Tribal Communities123Photostories5 timeless Swami Vivekananda quotes to inspire students on their journey10 benefits of playing chess for kidsRushing to Poop right after meals? Here’s what it says about your healthCheck if you’re truly compatible: Try this birthdate numerology test for partnersAlaya F to Fatima Sana Sheikh: Top celebrity looks of the day6 reasons to consume amla, beetroot, and carrot juice for 30 days on an empty stomach5 Japanese techniques to overcome lazinessThis leading Bollywood actress was finalised as Draupadi in BR Chopra’s ‘Mahabharat’ but walked away from the iconic role for a major film break7 quotes on leadership every kid should know10 green guardians (plants) to protect your balcony from pests123Hot PicksAlinagar Election ResultRaghopur Election ResultBihar Election Result 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingKayla NicoleArjun TendulkarVasai School MaharashtraDubai Prince Sheikh Hamdan Net WorthRCB IPL RetentionBengaluru Techie Shoes MissingUS VisaWayne Gretzkys SonDak PrescottPercy Harvin
NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday after its Madhya Pradesh minister Inder Singh Parmar called Raja Ram Mohan Roy a “British agent”. West Bengal minister Shashi Panja said the remark insulted Bengal’s people and its long tradition of thinkers.
She said the BJP was repeatedly trying to demean Bengal’s intelligentsia and undermine the state’s pride, adding that the people of Bengal are watching this “attack” closely.“If the BJP wants to axe its own foot, it is free to do so; but it cannot insult Bengal,” she said.Row erupted when Parmar, a BJP leader, accused Roy of religious conversion. “Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a British agent. He worked in the country as their ‘dalal’, and started a vicious cycle of religious conversion,” he had said.He further claimed the British had promoted “fake social reformers” who encouraged conversions and said missionary schools were used as fronts for conversion during colonial rule.His statement sparked strong reactions, forcing him to issue an apology later. He said it was a “slip of the tongue” and that he was “very sad” about it. Also read: ‘Not just a piece of land’: TMC MP fumes at PM Modi’s ‘Bengal’ remark in Bihar victory speech; offers ‘reality check’“Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a social reformer, and he should be respected. The sentence slipped out of my mouth by mistake, and I am very sad about it. I apologise for it,” Parmar said in a video post on Facebook.Raja Ram Mohan Roy, born in 1772 in Bengal, is widely regarded as a key figure in India’s reformist movement and the early phase of modernisation.
