BJP calls Rahul Gandhi 'Mir Jafar': Who is the historical figure whose tainted legacy is being invoked amid tensions with Pak

Even after nearly 300 years, Mir Jafar’s name has long been used as a synonym for ‘gaddar’

In a post on X, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya called Congress leader Rahul Gandhi a “new age Mir Jafar”.

“In the past as well, the Pakistani establishment has gleefully cited Rahul Gandhi’s statements in international forums to deflect attention from their own role in harbouring terrorists. His words repeatedly serve as cover for those who sponsor cross-border terrorism. At what point does political ambition give way to national responsibility? Rahul Gandhi is the modern age Mir Jafar,” said the BJP leader.

His comment came amid the Congress leader doubling down on his attack on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Gandhi on Monday reiterated his earlier claim that the Centre informed Pakistan “at the start" of Operation Sindoor and said this wasn’t a “lapse", but a “crime".

However, this is not the first time that the BJP had described a Congress leader as Mir Jafar.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had earlier alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had intelligence about the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, but did not share the information with security forces.

BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan then asked the Congress chief to produce evidence of his claims or tender an unconditional apology. “He (Kharge) has made treacherous statements similar to a modern-day Mir Jafar,” said Kesavan.

Mir Jafar Ali Khan was the Nawab of Bengal from 1757 to 1760 and again from 1763 to 1765. He was an Arab by ethnicity and was born sometime in 1691. The city of Murshidabad was then the capital of Bengal.

He became associated with Bengal through marital ties. His paternal aunt, Begum Sharfunnisa, was the wife of Nawab Alivardi Khan of Bengal who ruled over the province between 1740 to 1756. The couple had no son. After Alivardi Khan’s death, the successor to the throne of Bengal was his daughter’s son, Siraj ud-Daulah.

Siraj was 23 when he ascended the throne. His elevation was resented by many high-ranking court officials and relatives. The changes that Siraj ud-Daulah brought to the workings of the court was not liked by many, including Mir Jafar. Mir Jafar was also removed from the post of the paymaster of the Bengal army after Siraj ud-Daulah discovered that he was a disloyal servant.

Even after nearly 300 years, Mir Jafar’s name has long been used as a synonym for ‘gaddar’ (traitor). In 1757, the British decided to overthrow Siraj ud-Daulah. Mir Jafar, along with a group of powerful merchant bankers and other court officials, joined hands with the British East India Company.

The famous Battle of Plassey was fought June 23, 1757, between Siraj and the British forces under the command of Lord Clive.

As British forces marched toward Murshidabad, Siraj attempted to mount a defence. His trusted general Mir Madan died during the engagement, leaving the Nawab isolated. In desperation, Siraj reached out to Mir Jafar, unaware of his pact with the British commander.

Mir Jafar urged the Nawab to halt hostilities. Siraj retreated to his camp. However, acting on Mir Jafar’s signal, the British launched a sudden and devastating assault. Siraj fled but was captured and killed by Mir Jafar’s son, Miran.