T. M. Varghese

Who was T. M. Varghese?

T. M. Varghese was a freedom fighter, and statesman.

Maharaja Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma issued a proclamation on 21 October 1932 to constitute a new system of legislature in Travancore. This came into effect on 1 January 1933. According to this order, the seats were divided among the community as given below: Community:- Christians; Ezhavas; Nairs; Other Hindus; Muslims Low Caste Europeans. Total population 5,090,000. Total seats in the Assembly 70.

The government conceded the demands of the Joint Political Party to a certain extent by introducing communal reservation in appointments to the public service. On August 1936 a new constitution was promulgated and elections for the Travancore State Assembly were held during April–May, 1937. T. M. Varghese won the election as a candidate of the Joint Political Party. In the Sree Mulam Assembly he was elected as Deputy President, then the highest position achievable by open elections.

C. Kesavan who was imprisoned in 1935 was released in 1937 after the elections. Welcoming Kesavan at Kollam and Alappuzha, T. M. Varghese said, ` In the name of and on behalf of the 5.1 lakhs of people of Travancore, I accord with pleasure, a hearty welcome to the most-self sacrificing individual C. Kesavan. ' The Dewan was furious and, following his directive, a no confidence motion was moved against the Deputy President. In the voting that followed, 42 supported the motion, 24 were against, and 2 abstained. Thus T. M. Varghese was removed from his position as Deputy President.