Raipur, May 27: A political row erupted on Monday over who introduced the two-nation theory which led to the creating of India and Pakistan as two separate nations. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said that Hindu Mahasabha leader Vinayak Damodar Savarkar had first proposed the two-nation theory which was later taken forward by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the late founder of Pakistan.

"Savarkar, who was a leader of the Hindu Mahasabha, had sown the seed of division of the country which was later implemented by Muhammad Ali Jinnah," Baghel said while addressing Congress leaders and workers at a function on Jawaharlal Nehru's 55th death anniversary organised at the party's state headquarters 'Rajiv Bhawan'. The chief minister reiterated his remarks while talking to reporters after the event. PM Modi Has Lost His Mental Balance Due to Lack of Proper Sleep, Needs Medical Treatment: Bhupesh Baghel.

"It is a historical fact that in Hindu Mahasabha, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar had proposed that Hindustan should be independent as two nations. He had put forth the demand of two nations on religious ground and Muhammad Ali Jinnah implemented it. It is a fact and no one can prove it wrong," Baghel told reporters. CM Bhupesh Baghel Denies Any Security Failure, Says Naxalites Will Get Befitting Reply.

Reacting to his remarks, former Chief Minister and BJP vice-president Raman Singh said Baghel should re-read history to gain a better understanding of the subject. "He (Baghel) should read history once again. He should have a better understanding of history. Debate on division and background of division of the country is not required today.

"He should not speak more with limited knowledge," Singh told reporters when asked about his successor's remarks. At the event, Baghel also credited Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister, for establishing world-class institutions.

"As soon as Nehru Ji got the responsibility (of PM), he started AIIMS, nuclear programme, space programme to build the nation. Bhilai Steel Plant set up in our state is an example of his farsightedness to eliminate hunger and unemployment," Baghel was quoted as saying. Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said: "In a democratic system, the people's biggest strength is to ask questions. Nehru Ji was its supporter but today you can't question the Prime Minister."

"Today, efforts are being made to change Nehru's India. Today, where we stand, the biggest credit for it goes to Nehru. When we read his 'Discovery of India', we get astonished because his book provides wealth of information on history, geography, arts and culture. Nehru Ji had written that the bigotry in any manner is harmful for the country," Baghel said. (With PTI inputs)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 27, 2019 11:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).