Vithalbhai Jhaverbhai Patel (27 September 1873 – 22 October 1933) was an eminent Indian legislator, politician, and a key figure in the Indian independence movement. He was the elder brother of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of the founding fathers of the Republic of India. Vithalbhai Patel is primarily remembered for his significant role as the first elected Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly of British India, a position he held from 1925 to 1930.
Early Life and Education
Vithalbhai Patel was born in Nadiad, Bombay Presidency (now in Gujarat), into a farming family. He completed his early education in India and initially worked as a pleader (lawyer) in the courts of Godhra and Borsad. Inspired by his younger brother Vallabhbhai, Vithalbhai decided to pursue higher education in law in England. Despite facing financial constraints, he managed to travel to London in 1905, where he enrolled at the Middle Temple. He completed his barrister-at-law degree in just two years, a remarkable feat, and returned to India in 1908.
Political Career and Independence Movement
Upon his return, Patel established a successful legal practice in Bombay. However, his strong nationalist convictions soon drew him into politics. He joined the Indian National Congress and quickly rose through its ranks, known for his sharp intellect, oratorical skills, and unwavering commitment to Indian self-rule.
Patel’s political career included:
- Bombay Legislative Council: He was elected to the Bombay Legislative Council in 1912, where he worked on local self-government issues and advocated for educational reforms.
- Imperial Legislative Council: In 1918, he was elected to the Imperial Legislative Council, the legislative body of British India. Here, he became a prominent voice against the repressive Rowlatt Acts and pushed for greater Indian representation and rights.
- Swaraj Party: Following the Non-Cooperation Movement, when Mahatma Gandhi suspended the movement after the Chauri Chaura incident, Patel, along with Motilal Nehru and C.R. Das, co-founded the Swaraj Party in 1923. The party aimed to enter legislative councils to obstruct British rule from within and demand greater autonomy.
President of the Central Legislative Assembly
In 1925, Vithalbhai Patel achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first elected Indian President (Speaker) of the Central Legislative Assembly. His election was a testament to his political acumen and the growing assertion of Indian nationalism. As President, he worked tirelessly to uphold the dignity and independence of the Assembly, often clashing with the British Viceroy and the government benches to protect the rights of Indian members and ensure parliamentary procedures were followed. He introduced several reforms to strengthen the Assembly’s functioning and asserted its authority against executive interference. His impartiality and firm control over proceedings earned him respect across political divides. He resigned from the position in 1930 to re-join the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Later Life and Death
After resigning from the Assembly, Patel became actively involved in the Civil Disobedience Movement and was subsequently imprisoned by the British. His health deteriorated significantly during his incarceration. Upon his release, he traveled to Europe for medical treatment, spending time in Vienna and Geneva. During this period, he continued to advocate for India's independence on international platforms. He passed away on 22 October 1933 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Legacy
Vithalbhai Patel is remembered as a pioneering parliamentarian and a dedicated nationalist. His tenure as President of the Central Legislative Assembly laid down crucial conventions for parliamentary democracy in India. Though often overshadowed by his more famous brother, Vallabhbhai Patel, Vithalbhai's contributions to India's legislative history and the independence movement were substantial and enduring. He was a sophisticated political thinker who believed in constitutional means to achieve self-rule, while also being prepared to engage in direct action when necessary.