Mani Shankar Aiyar Discusses 1971 Nagarwala Scandal and India’s Role in Bangladesh Liberation
New Delhi, July 16: Former union minister Mani Shankar Aiyar recently spoke about the Nagarwala scandal of 1971 and India’s involvement in the Bangladesh Liberation War. Aiyar was the chief guest at the launch of the book ‘The Scam That Shook a Nation: The Nagarwala Scandal’.
The Nagarwala Scandal
Aiyar discussed Rustam Sohrab Nagarwala, a retired Indian Army captain, and Ved Prakash Malhotra, the head cashier at the State Bank of India’s Parliament Street branch. Malhotra believed he received a call from the Prime Minister’s secretariat to hand over Rs 60 lakh for a secret mission related to the liberation struggle in East Pakistan.
India’s Role in the 1971 War
Aiyar mentioned that the Indian Army and political leadership, led by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, were united in their actions during the influx of East Bengali refugees. He also noted that the opposition parties were critical of the timing of India’s intervention in the war.
Personal Reflections
Aiyar shared his personal belief that India should have intervened militarily in April 1971. He recounted a conversation with the Pakistan High Commissioner in Delhi, who suggested that India had missed an opportunity to act against Pakistan. However, Aiyar acknowledged that the decision to wait was a wise one, made by PN Haksar, Indira Gandhi, and General Manekshaw.
Patriotic Zeal and Anti-Muslim Sentiment
Aiyar commented on the patriotic zeal of the time, which he said is now expressed through anti-Muslim and anti-Pakistan sentiments. He highlighted Malhotra’s dedication and honesty, noting that he was driven by a desire to contribute during a national crisis.
The Book
The book ‘The Scam That Shook a Nation: The Nagarwala Scandal’ is written by journalists Prakash Patra and Rasheed Kidwai.
