Both Jyoti Rao Phule and Naicker were critical of national movement in their own times. Jyoti Rao Phule was critical of nationalism preached by upper castes. He wrote that they give advice to Shudra, Muslim and Parsi youth to forget their differences and come together for progress of nation, later it will be “Me here and you over there” all over again. E V Ramaswamy Naicker became member of Congress. But left it in disgust when he found out that at a feast, organised by nationalists, seating arrangement was based on caste distinctions. Their assertions, forceful speeches and writings did lead to rethink and self-criticism among the upper caste nationalist leaders.