Why this matters now
Rajaji is tested for his Madras premiership, the C.R. Formula on Pakistan, role as last Governor-General, and his founding of the Swatantra Party — a rare opposition to Nehruvian socialism.
In the freedom struggle
A close associate of Gandhi (later his son’s father-in-law), Rajaji participated in the Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience (Vedaranyam salt march, 1930) and Quit India movements. He was Premier of Madras Presidency (1937-39) in the Congress ministries.
The C.R. Formula and last Governor-General
In 1944, Rajaji proposed the C.R. Formula — a controversial plan for a Congress-League settlement that conceded a plebiscite on Pakistan in Muslim-majority areas. After independence he became the Governor of West Bengal and then the last Governor-General of India (1948-50). He served as Home Minister and as Chief Minister of Madras (1952-54).
Swatantra Party and writings
Disagreeing with Nehruvian planning and the “license-permit raj”, Rajaji founded the Swatantra Party (1959) — India’s first major free-market opposition party. He was also a prolific writer; his retellings of the Ramayana and Mahabharata are widely read. He received the Bharat Ratna (1954) — among the first awardees.
UPSC angle
Know Rajaji — Vedaranyam salt march, Madras Premier 1937-39, C.R. Formula (1944, Pakistan plebiscite), last Governor-General of India (1948-50), Chief Minister of Madras, founder Swatantra Party (1959), Bharat Ratna 1954.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Rajaji?
C. Rajagopalachari — a senior Congress leader, the last Governor-General of India, and founder of the Swatantra Party.
What was the C.R. Formula?
A 1944 plan Rajaji proposed for a Congress-League settlement, conceding a plebiscite on Pakistan in Muslim-majority areas.
Who was the last Governor-General of India?
C. Rajagopalachari, from 1948 to 1950.
What is the Swatantra Party?
A free-market opposition party founded by Rajaji in 1959 against Nehruvian socialism.