Mohanlal Pandya was an Indian freedom fighter, social reformer and one of the earliest followers of Mahatma Gandhi. Along with fellow Gandhians like Narhari Parikh and Ravi Shankar Vyas, Pandya was a key organizer of nationalist revolts in Gujarat, and a leading figure in the fight against alcoholism, illiteracy, untouchability, and a major proponent of women's freedoms and Gandhian values.
Pandya was a close associate of both Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel during the Indian Independence Movement.
Mohanlal Pandya was nicknamed as Onion Thief (Dungli Chor) by Gandhiji because he had harvested onion from the land which was taken away by the British Government.