Role of Sir Chhotu Ram in Punjab Politics

Abstract

Although Sir Chhotu Ram is known as a ‘Deenbandhu’ & ‘Rehbar-e-Azam’ but he was a social reformer and political activist in the era of Punjab politics from 1916-1945. Sir Chhotu Ram, during the period 1916-1919 had established a close personal equation with H. Harcourt the then Deputy Commissioner of the Rohtak. However, Sir Chhotu Ram joined All India Congress Party in 1916 and became the President of Rohtak District, Congress Committee; but he was no longer satisfied with the policies implemented by the Congress for the freedom movement. Therefore, he resigned this political organization and joined ‘The Punjab Unionist Party’ in 1924 along with all his admirers and followers. He was now well-aware that, if he wanted to be on a wider platform of public life, he would have to shed much of his earlier complexion. The present research paper highlights Sir Chhotu Ram’s role in Punjab politics from 1916-1945. The paper also focuses some aspects of his political life.