1937 Provincial Elections and Congress Strategies - Key Historical Events

The Second Stage Debate: 1937 Provincial Elections and Congress Strategies

Announcement of Provincial Elections

Elections Announced: In early 1937, elections to provincial assemblies were announced.
Debate on Strategy: Nationalists debated the future strategy, with a consensus to oppose the 1935 Act, but uncertainty about the approach.
Agreement on Elections: The Congress decided to fight elections based on a detailed political and economic programme.

Divided Opinion

Leftist Leaders: Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Bose, and others opposed office acceptance, fearing it would dilute the rejection of the Act and shift focus from freedom and social justice.
Leftist Strategy: Proposed entering councils to create deadlocks, making the Act unworkable, and relying more on workers and peasants for a socialist direction.
Proponents of Office Acceptance: Argued that working within the legislatures was a short-term tactic in the absence of a mass movement to combat wrong tendencies and prevent reactionary forces from gaining power.

Gandhi’s Position

Initial Opposition: Gandhi initially opposed office acceptance but later agreed to give it a trial.
Congress Decision:
- In 1936, the Congress decided to fight elections and combat the Act both inside and outside the legislatures.
- The decision on office acceptance was postponed until after the elections.
1937 Elections: Held in eleven provinces, with a larger number of Indians participating than ever before.

Congress Manifesto for Elections

Rejection of the 1935 Act: The Congress manifesto reaffirmed the total rejection of the Act.
Promises Made:
- Release of prisoners
- Gender and caste equality
- Agrarian reform
- Reduction of rural debts
- The right to form trade unions and strike
Gandhi's Involvement: Gandhi did not attend a single election meeting.

Congress’ Performance

Election Results:
- The Congress won 716 out of 1,161 seats contested.
- Gained a majority in most provinces except Bengal, Assam, Punjab, Sindh, and NWFP.
Prestige of the Congress:
- The Congress emerged as the largest party in Bengal, Assam, and NWFP.
- Its prestige rose, leading Nehru to reconcile with the dominant strategy.

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