Dive into the division between Swarajists and No-Changers during the early 1920s Indian nationalist movement. Understand the arguments for and against legislative council entry, the formation of the Congress-Khilafat Swarajya Party, and how a compromise was achieved in 1923. This overview highlights key debates, including the Swarajists' push for legislative participation and the No-Changers' emphasis on constructive work and non-cooperation.
After Gandhi’s arrest in March 1922, the nationalist movement faced disintegration, disorganization, and demoralization.
A debate began among Congress members on how to proceed during the movement's passive phase.
C.R. Das, Motilal Nehru, and Ajmal Khan led a faction that wanted to end the boycott of legislative councils, allowing nationalists to enter and expose the councils' weaknesses.
They aimed to "end or mend" the councils, obstructing their function if the government ignored nationalist demands.
The group advocating legislative entry became known as the ‘Swarajists,’ while those opposing it were called the ‘No-Changers.’
The ‘No-Changers,’ led by C. Rajagopalachari, Vallabhbhai Patel, Rajendra Prasad, and M.A. Ansari, supported constructive work, the continuation of the boycott, and preparation for the next phase of civil disobedience.
Differences between the two factions led to the defeat of the Swarajists' proposal at the Gaya session of Congress in December 1922.
C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru resigned from their Congress leadership positions and formed the Congress-Khilafat Swarajya Party, with Das as president and Nehru as secretary.
Despite their differences, both sides sought to avoid a split like the one in 1907 and maintained contact with Gandhi, who was in jail.
They recognized the importance of a united front to force government reforms and acknowledged the necessity of Gandhi's leadership.
A compromise was reached in September 1923, allowing the Swarajists to contest elections as a group within the Congress.
The Swarajists accepted the Congress program, with the exception that they would join legislative councils. Elections to the Central Legislative Assembly and provincial assemblies were held in November 1923.
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