Puttur, August 8, 2026: BJP MLC and former Minister C.T. Ravi said that describing India’s Independence solely as the result of the non-violent freedom movement would present only “half the truth”.
Speaking at a Tiranga Yatra organised in Puttur on Friday, CT Ravi said the country’s freedom was achieved through the sacrifices of many people who fought the British in different ways.
“Freedom through the non-violent struggle is not the complete truth. It is only half the truth,” CT Ravi said.
He said that many Indians shed their blood for Independence and that their contributions should also find a place in the way the freedom struggle is remembered.
‘Not everyone followed non-violence’
CT Ravi referred to Veer Savarkar, pointing out that he was not a proponent of the non-violent movement. He also highlighted the role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the integration of India.
Ravi further referred to coastal Karnataka freedom fighters Kedambadi Ramayya Gowda and Manjabaidya, stating that they too did not follow the Gandhian path of non-violence.
His remarks were aimed at highlighting the diversity of approaches adopted during India's struggle against British rule.
Question over how freedom struggle is remembered
CT Ravi said that telling younger generations that India became independent only because of the non-violent movement could create an incomplete understanding of the freedom struggle.
He argued that the sacrifices made by revolutionaries, armed resistance groups and regional freedom fighters should also be remembered.
BJP leader was speaking at a public meeting at Puttur Town Hall following the Tiranga Yatra organised by the Puttur Assembly constituency Tiranga Yatra Committee.
Yatra began at the Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple grounds and concluded at Kille Maidan. Prayers were offered at the temple before the procession began. Senior advocate Arun Shyam offered floral tributes to the Bharat Mata tableau, while former Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel handed over the national flag.
Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta also addressed the gathering and said the Tricolour became an important symbol during the freedom struggle and continues to remind people of the sacrifices made for the country's Independence.
Other issues raised by CT Ravi
Ravi also spoke about what he described as threats to national unity. He said illegal infiltration, communal forces and excessive regional identities could pose challenges to the country's unity if society remained complacent. He also criticised the use of caste-based calculations in relation to the armed forces and questioned whether such an approach was appropriate.
Dakshina Kannada BJP president Satish Kumpala presided over the programme. State Tiranga Yatra convenor Roopali Naik, division in-charge Bharateesh, MLAs Bhagirathi Murulya, Harish Poonja, Rajesh Naik, Vedavyas Kamath and Bharath Shetty, and Kishore Kumar Puttur were among those present.
KeywordsC.T. Ravi Puttur, Indian freedom struggle, Tiranga Yatra Puttur, non-violence freedom movement, Kedambadi Ramayya Gowda, Puttur news, Puttur Suddi, Puttur BJP, Citizen News Puttur