Explore the key events of the 1937 provincial elections in India, including Congress strategies, debates on office acceptance, Gandhi's position, and the performance of Congress in the elections. Understand the political landscape and strategic decisions of that time.
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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: Congress decided to fight elections on a detailed political and economic programme.
Divided Opinion
Leftist Leaders: 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 entry into councils to create deadlocks, making the Act unworkable, and increasing reliance 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:
Included 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.
1937 Provincial Elections
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