Wild Night in Indian Politics

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 134, 27 August 1927, Page 10

Wild Night in Indian Politics

Maharajah Draws The Sword STONES AND BONES THROWN There were strange scenes in Idar, an important State in the Bombay Presidency, on June 13, when the first meeting of the conference of representatives of the State of Idar was held to suggest reforms in the State. It is alleged that the Maharajah took it to be a slight cast on him that such a meeting should be held. The new Prime Minister of the State, appointed at the instance of the Bombay Government, was present, and police were assembled near the conference hall. All of a sudden the Maharajah in person tried to attend the meeting, coming there with a drawn sword in his hand, and followed by scores of followers Their entry was resisted at the doors of the hall by the volunteers, and the aid of the police was called to keep them out. Ruler’s Son’s Inroad Presently the Maharajah retired, but very soon his second son came in, attended by an armed escort, and created a disturbance. Hastily the meeting passed all the resolutions that were placed before it, and then dispersed in confusion. It may be remembered that some time ago there were complaints of misrule against the present Maharajah, and the Bombay Government had to intervene. The Maharajah is the successor of the famous Sir Pertab Singh, who was known all the world over as a sportsman and ruler. Sir Pertab came to be an international figure in the war, when he arrived in France with his troops.—(lndian News Service Copyright.) Throwing Stones and Bones Although the first day’s meeting ended peaceably (says the ‘Times of India”), there was trouble later. This paper says: “Stones, bones and flesh were showered on the volunteers on guard. “This continued till about 2 on Monday morning. The Maharajah himself appeared on the scene sword in hand with his lieutenants. Quiet was restored after some time; but soon again the whole town was seething with excitement when the conference met, with Mr. Mehta in the chair. “More Muslims had gathered with arms, and they were beating drums more violently than ever. ‘■Proceedings began with the singing of the National Anthem. “The president moved the first resoi tion, which passed unanimously.” Cast summer there were complaints that in Idar the official taxation had increased within 20 years by 275 per cent.. and that there was also private extortion by certain tax collectors. A petition was signed charging the naSio r ?- Jah *J vlt . h bein S dissolute and neglecting the interests of his State.