Trivia

Controversially declined to take part in the Quit India Movement of 1942, reasoning that cooperating with the British government in its war effort against Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy and Imperial Japan would provide a better probability for negotiating for independence.

Established the Swatantra Party in 1959 in opposition to Jawaharlal Nehru's socialist economic policies which he observed were highly statist in nature. He was also disturbed by Nehru's diplomatic negotiations with Indian communists whom he cited were a national security risk.

First Governor General of Independent India (1947-49), the first Indian and the last individual to hold the post as it was discontinued. Since Governor Generals are assigned Heads Of Commonwealth States, Rajagopalachari was the contender for being India's first President but was defeated by fellow independence activist Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1950.

Inaugural recipient of India's highest civilian honour, Bharat Ratna, after the award was instituted in 1954.

Served as the Chief Minister of Madras State from 1937 to 1939 before resigning as Britain involved India in its war with Nazi Germany without consulting the Congress ministries. Was also Minister Of Home Affairs under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru from 1951 to 1953, after the death of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

A lifelong pacifist and a staunch anti-communist, he was a strong opponent of nuclear armament and India's recognition of Mao Zedong led People's Republic of China.

Whilst Jawaharlal Nehru held Rajagopalachari in high regard to the point backing him for the post of India's inaugural President, Nehru labelled the Swatantra Party as "An organization of erstwhile landlords, castles and fantasies" during an election rally, since most of it's top cadres were either industrialists or individuals linked to various royal families.

Richard Nixon, in one of his conversations with Rajagopalachari during his term as Vice President under Dwight Eisenhower, mentioned the meeting as one of the most profoundly impactful talks he had.

Despite sharing the common ground of anti-communism, pro-free market economics and pro-West alignment, he never got along with either Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel or Dr. Rajendra Prasad. His animosity for Patel only increased after the latter backed Prasad for India's inaugural Presidential candidature.

Received criticism for his educational scheme whilst serving as Chief Minister of Madras State as per which, students would be allowed to attend school in the first half but would be sent to learn and train in their paternal occupations post lunch.

Infamously criticized Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri's declaration of war against Pakistan in 1965, despite being aware of Pakistani Army's infiltration into Indian territory which led to the conflict. Many suspect this was in part due to his pro-American beliefs as United States was backing Pakistan with military hardware and had also provided substantial economic assistance during the decade leading to the war.

Quite ironically for a man who despised any aspect associated with socialism, Rajaji once tried to bring fellow independence activist and veteran Gandhian Jayaprakash Narayan into the Swatantra Party fold, his rationale being that although Narayan was a socialist by practice, he was also staunchly anti-communist in his approach and even anti-Soviet post the Red Army's invasion of Hungary in 1956.

Was overwhelmingly opposed to India's military operation to liberate the state of Goa from Portuguese occupation despite being aware of Portuguese dictator Antonio Salazar's refusal to negotiate the transfer of the state back to India diplomatically. Many also suspect it was his soft corner for the western bloc which made him speak out against his own nation's actions.

Was once sarcastically called by Sardar Patel as "the most nationalist Muslim in the entire Congress fold" in a heated meeting during the riots post Independence due to Rajaji's, Jawaharlal Nehru's and even MK Gandhi's continuous efforts to divert resources to Muslim refugees in Delhi.

Although revered as an independence activist, many suspect he was never in favour of total independence from the British Empire and was much more amiable with India receiving dominion status.