Chakravarti Rajagopalachari BR (10 December 1878 – 25 December 1972), popularly known as Rajaji was an Indian statesman, writer, lawyer, and activist. Rajagopalachari was the last Governor-General of India, as when India became a republic in 1950 the office was abolished. He also served as leader of the Indian National Congress, Premier of the Madras Presidency, Governor of West Bengal, Minister for Home Affairs of the Indian Union and Chief Minister of Madras state. Rajagopalachari founded the Swatantra Party and was one of the first recipients of India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.
Rajgopalachari onehandedly destroyed dominance of Tamil Brahmins in state and paved the way for Communist party and DMK to takeover the state. Rajagopalachari issued the Temple Entry Authorization and Indemnity Act 1939, under which restrictions were removed on Dalits and Shanars entering Hindu temples. Rajagopalachari as Chief Minister of Madras introduction of Hindi in educational institutions and made compulsory which made him highly unpopular. Dravidar Kazhagam founder Periyar opposed the decision of C. Rajagopalachari and launched statewide anti-Hindi agitations and painted Rajagopalachari as an enemy and destroyer of Tamil thai. In 1940, the unpopular new law on the use of Hindi was quickly repealed by the Governor of Madras. Because of his bad politics Congress lost ground in state and in 1950 it was reduced to a minority and in 1962 it formed govt with DMK. Rajgopalachari’s bad politics destroyed congress in state and in 1967 Congress lost totally. Since then Congress did not return in state. Rajgopalachari later realized and became supporter of Hindu Mahasabha, he also formed his own party.
