Explore the Congress Election Campaign and INA Trials of 1945-46, including key events, strategies, and responses from the British government and Indian political groups.

Congress Election Campaign: Mobilizing the Masses for Independence

• Elections in 1945-46: Held during the winter of 1945-46.
• Nationalistic Aims: Focused on mobilizing Indians against British rule, beyond just seeking votes.
• Campaign Tactics: Glorified martyrs, condemned officials, set up memorials, collected relief funds, and promised inquiries and punishment for guilty officials.
• Government Response: Failed to curb nationalist speeches, leading to low morale among government services and increasing fears about the return of Congress ministries.

INA Trials: The Turning Point for Indian Nationalism

• Mass Pressure: Public outcry against the trial of INA prisoners led to a shift in British policy.
• First Trial at Red Fort: Involved Prem Kumar Sehgal (Hindu), Shah Nawaz Khan (Muslim), and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon (Sikh), further uniting diverse Indian communities.

Congress Support for INA Prisoners: Standing in Solidarity

• Resolution: At the post-war Congress session in September 1945, a resolution was passed supporting the INA cause.
• Legal Defence: Organized by Bhulabhai Desai, Tej Bahadur Sapru, Kailash Nath Katju, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Asaf Ali.
• INA Relief and Enquiry Committee: Provided financial and employment assistance to the affected individuals.

INA Agitation: Widespread Mobilization and National Unity

• Publicity and Participation: The campaign was widely publicized, involving diverse social groups and political parties across India.
• Widespread Support: Support came from various groups including the Muslim League, Communist Party, Akalis, and government employees.
• Central Theme: The agitation questioned Britain’s right to decide on Indian matters, emphasizing the 'Indian versus British' narrative.