‘Today Is An Extremely Historic Day’: Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Praises the Contribution Of Freedom Fighter Vithalbhai Patel

New Delhi: Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat appreciated the contribution of freedom fighter Vithalbhai Patel in the parliamentary system of the country. He lauded the contribution of the late freedom fighter following the inauguration of a two-day All India Speakers Conference in the national capital on 24th August, 2025, Sunday. Vithalbhai Patel is known for being the first elected president of the Central Legislative Assembly. He had taken the oath for being the first elected president of the Central Legislative Assembly on this day (August 24) 100 years ago, as reported in the ANI. 

What do we know about the freedom fighter Vithalbhai Patel?

Vithalbhai Patel was born on September 27, 1873 according to his biographer, G. I. Patel. He was the third of the five sons of Jhaverbhai and mother Ladba of Karamsad. Vithalbhai had started his legal practice in Bombay and in 1912, he devoted himself to bringing about both social and political reforms to successfully fight for India’s freedom. He became a member of Bombay Legislative Council and was also elected to the Imperial Legislative Council in 1918. Vithalbhai joined the Indian National Congress in 1915 was appointed Chairman of the Reception Committee when the Special Session of Congress was held in Bombay in August 1918. 

Time in prison and ill health thereafter

Vithalbhai had to face a lot of obstacles from 1930-1933. In August 1930, after he had resigned as the President of the Assembly and joined the Congress Working Committee, he was arrested as a Congress member. Vithalbhai had to spend five months in Ambala Jail where he fell ill. After his release in early January 1931, Vithalbhai went to Vienna for a prolonged medical treatment and returned in late December of that year. He was again arrested in early January 1932 and sent to Byculla Jail where his health further deteriorated.  He was released a few months later and. Despite suffering from illness, he toured America, and met influential people to gain support for India’s freedom struggle. His health had worsened by the time he returned to Vienna for medical treatment. He decided to go to Geneva in Switzerland to attend a meeting much against the doctor’s advice. His health further deteriorated, and he died at a clinic near Geneva on October 22, 1933. 

What was the reaction in India to Vithalbhai Patel’s death?

There was a nation-wide closure of the businesses, textile mills, markets and shops. Thousands gathered at meetings held all over India to mourn Vithalbhai’s demise. His embalmed body was placed in a sealed coffin, shipped and reached Bombay on November 10, 1933. Vithalbhai’s final rites were carried out by his nephew, Vallabhbhai’s son, Dahyabhai, at the Sonapur Crematorium before a crowd of 300,000 mourners. 

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