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99 years ago, India's greatest cartoonist RK Laxman was born in Mysore. Like all cartoonists, he wasn't afraid to take on the establishment. A thread 
1954.
Nehru announcing that the days of France and Portugal (shown as 2 chimpanzees) in Pondicherry and Goa are almost over.
1954.
Nehru announcing that the days of France and Portugal (shown as 2 chimpanzees) in Pondicherry and Goa are almost over.
Did Indians ever fight against Hindi?
Haan BC, WE DID!
1965.
Anti-Hindi students' riots in Tamil Nadu after the home minister announced that Hindi will replace English. Prime Minister LB Shastri later clarified that the language policy of Nehru will still continue.
#RKLaxman100
Haan BC, WE DID!
1965.
Anti-Hindi students' riots in Tamil Nadu after the home minister announced that Hindi will replace English. Prime Minister LB Shastri later clarified that the language policy of Nehru will still continue.
#RKLaxman100
18 January 1966.
After Shastri's death, Indira Gandhi was appointed as party leader based on the preference of the party's Chief Ministers. Not recognising their opinions, Morarji Desai refused to quit the contest.
After Shastri's death, Indira Gandhi was appointed as party leader based on the preference of the party's Chief Ministers. Not recognising their opinions, Morarji Desai refused to quit the contest.
22 February 1968.
After Pakistan's illegal occupation of Rann of Kutch, a UN tribunal awarded 90% of the territory to India, but the crucial 10% including key elevation point like Kanjarkot and Dhara Bani were given to Pakistan.
*Don't miss the wordplay: Kutch/Clutch bag*
After Pakistan's illegal occupation of Rann of Kutch, a UN tribunal awarded 90% of the territory to India, but the crucial 10% including key elevation point like Kanjarkot and Dhara Bani were given to Pakistan.
*Don't miss the wordplay: Kutch/Clutch bag*
RK Laxman never minced words on what he thought of Indira Gandhi.
1970.
With her constant cabinet reshuffles she established that "she wasnt just the first among equals. She was the boss."
1970.
With her constant cabinet reshuffles she established that "she wasnt just the first among equals. She was the boss."
8 September, 1970.
"It's a democracy as long as the leader wins".
When the Bill to abolish the Privy Purse lost by a fraction of a vote (149 votes vs required votes of 149.33), Indira Gandhi still got the bill passed through an ordinance.
"It's a democracy as long as the leader wins".
When the Bill to abolish the Privy Purse lost by a fraction of a vote (149 votes vs required votes of 149.33), Indira Gandhi still got the bill passed through an ordinance.
Here he commented on US President Gerald Ford who was notorious for constantly tripping and falling, and his trip to India was cancelled.
1975.
The government censored the media, ensuring only that a picture of peace, prosperity and progress was presented.
Very different times those were.
The government censored the media, ensuring only that a picture of peace, prosperity and progress was presented.
Very different times those were.
During the Indira Gandhi rule, Sanjay Gandhi had bulldozed slums in Delhi and driven across the Yamuna.
When Indira Gandhi lost the 1977 elections, Laxman drew Sanjay Gandhi sitting in a stroller pushed by his mother moving across the Yamuna.
When Indira Gandhi lost the 1977 elections, Laxman drew Sanjay Gandhi sitting in a stroller pushed by his mother moving across the Yamuna.
1982.
Giani Zail Singh was appointed as President of India, widely believed that he was chosen because he was a loyalist to Indira Gandhi.
"If my leader had said I should pick up a broom and be a sweeper, I would have done that. She chose me to be President"
Giani Zail Singh was appointed as President of India, widely believed that he was chosen because he was a loyalist to Indira Gandhi.
"If my leader had said I should pick up a broom and be a sweeper, I would have done that. She chose me to be President"
Rajiv Gandhi's frequent vacation trips.
TN Seshan seeking support from Shiv Sena but failed to do so. Laxman's cartoon hinted that Seshan would probably seek support from gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli.
1991.
Finance minister Dr.Manmohan Singh had to seek help from IMF to bail india out of the economic crisis, which was known to armtwist developing countries into tough deals on borrowed loans.
Finance minister Dr.Manmohan Singh had to seek help from IMF to bail india out of the economic crisis, which was known to armtwist developing countries into tough deals on borrowed loans.
1992. Harsha Mehta. And other scams.
Ishq hai toh risk hai.
Ishq hai toh risk hai.
Mohammad Azharuddin and Hanse Cronje caught in the match-fixing scandal.
You can also check out this tweet thread of RK Laxman's early cartoons by @Vktkv https://twitter.com/Vktkv/status/1319966431992135682
