“Mahatma Gandhi is not the father of India but the father of Pakistan."
Indian singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya has sparked controversy over his remarks about Mahatma Gandhi.
During a recent podcast, Bhattacharya referred to Gandhi as the “Father of Pakistan”, igniting widespread criticism and legal repercussions.
Pune-based lawyer Asim Sawde, representing Manish Deshpande, issued a legal notice demanding an immediate public apology.
Failure to comply could result in legal action under sections 353 (public nuisance) and 356 (defamation) of the Indian Penal Code.
During the podcast, Bhattacharya said:
“Mahatma Gandhi is not the father of India but the father of Pakistan.
“India already existed, while Pakistan was later separated from it. Gandhi was mistakenly called the father of India.”
This statement caused offence, with many critics accusing him of disrespecting Gandhi’s pivotal role in India’s independence.
They claimed that he had dismissed Gandhi’s relentless efforts for Hindu-Muslim unity with this statement.
The legal notice emphasised Gandhi’s opposition to the partition, quoting his famous words:
“India will only be divided over my dead body.”
The singer’s comments have sparked backlash across social media, with many demanding accountability.
A user said: “We can only pity such people who make such statements in a country where the freedom fighters fought and got independence.
“These people enjoy the fruits of their stress, strain and dedication and now they show patriotism as an eye wash.”
The legal notice also stressed that Bhattacharya’s remarks undermine Gandhi’s legacy.
Mr Sawde stated that Bhattacharya must issue both a public and written apology to avoid criminal prosecution.
This is not the first time Abhijeet Bhattacharya has faced criticism for his comments.
He made headlines by accusing Dua Lipa of not crediting him during her Mumbai concert.
Dua performed a mashup of her hit song ‘Levitating’ and ‘Woh Ladki Jo’, originally sung by Bhattacharya.
The singer expressed offence over not receiving recognition for his work.
Bhattacharya’s controversies extend beyond this incident. In a recent interview, he recalled a frustrating experience with Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman.
He criticised Rahman’s irregular working hours, sharing that he was summoned to record at 3 am, which he refused.
Bhattacharya also expressed dissatisfaction with being overshadowed in his collaborations, including his work with actor Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Woh Ladki Jo’.
As the legal notice gains traction, many are speculating about Abhijeet Bhattacharya’s response.
For now, the singer remains silent, leaving fans and critics alike eager for his next move.
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