Vithalbhai Jhaverbhai Patel (1873 – 1933)
Vithalbhai Jhaverbhai Patel (1873 – 1933)
Early Life and Education Born:
September 27, 1873, in Nadiad, Bombay Presidency (present-day Gujarat).
Family: He belonged to a wealthy and respected Patidar (Patel) family. His younger brother was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who later became one of India’s most prominent freedom fighters and the first Deputy Prime Minister of independent India.
Education:
Initially studied in local schools in Nadiad. Completed his higher education in Bombay (now Mumbai). Later went to London to study law at Middle Temple, becoming a barrister in 1908. Early Career and Entry into Politics After returning to India, Vithalbhai Patel began practicing law in Bombay and Ahmedabad.
His interest in public life led him to join the Indian National Congress (INC) during the early 1900s. He became active in municipal politics, serving as a member of the Bombay Legislative Council, where he gained a reputation as a strong debater and skilled administrator.
Role in the Indian National Movement Vithalbhai Patel supported constitutional reform and self-governance for Indians under British rule. Initially moderate in his political views, he later aligned with more assertive leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak. He strongly advocated for Indian control over administration and equal opportunities for Indians in government services.
President of the Central Legislative Assembly In 1925, Vithalbhai Patel achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian elected as President (Speaker) of the Central Legislative Assembly, which was the forerunner of India’s modern Parliament. As Speaker, he was impartial, disciplined, and reform-minded.
He laid down several parliamentary procedures and conventions still respected in the Indian Parliament today. He ensured members could question the government freely and improved the dignity of legislative work.
His tenure is often remembered as the beginning of parliamentary democracy in India in its truest sense. Association with Swaraj Party In 1923, he joined the Swaraj Party, founded by Motilal Nehru and C.R. Das, which aimed to enter legislative councils to resist British policies from within. He became one of the most influential leaders of the party and played a key role in using legislative platforms for nationalist purposes. Later Life and Differences within Congress Though deeply committed to India’s freedom, Vithalbhai sometimes differed with other Congress leaders on methods and strategies.
He criticized certain aspects of Gandhian non-cooperation and leaned towards a more assertive, constitutionalist approach. He later supported Subhas Chandra Bose’s militant stance against British rule and even financially helped Bose during his treatment abroad. Death and Legacy Died: October 22, 1933, in Geneva, Switzerland, due to illness.
Before his death, he left a will bequeathing his property to Subhas Chandra Bose, to support India’s freedom struggle — this decision led to a legal dispute with his brother Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. His body was brought back to India and cremated with full honors.
Legacy and Contribution
First Indian Speaker: His leadership as Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly made him a pioneer of Indian parliamentary democracy.
Patel Brothers: Together with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, he represents the intellectual and political vigor of early 20th-century Gujarat. Institution Builder: He strengthened the democratic culture within the freedom movement and promoted modern legislative ethics.
Tributes: Statues and memorials exist in Gujarat and Delhi in his honor. The Vithalbhai Patel House in New Delhi serves as a memorial and cultural center.