In March 1931, the Karachi Congress Session was held to endorse the Gandhi-Irwin Pact. This session followed the execution of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru, leading to protests by the Punjab Naujawan Bharat Sabha along Gandhi's route. The Congress resolutions included disapproval of political violence while admiring the martyrs, endorsement of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, and reiteration of the goal of purna swaraj. Resolutions on fundamental rights guaranteed freedoms such as speech and assembly, while the national economic program proposed reductions in rent, relief from debt, and improved labor conditions. This session marked a significant moment in defining the Congress's political and economic vision for India.
In March 1931, a special session of the Congress was held at Karachi to endorse the Gandhi-Irwin Pact. Six days before the session (March 29), Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru were executed. Gandhi was greeted with black flag demonstrations throughout his route to Karachi by the Punjab Naujawan Bharat Sabha, protesting his failure to secure commutation of the death sentence for Bhagat and his comrades.
Disapproval of Political Violence: While disapproving of and dissociating itself from political violence, the Congress admired the ‘bravery’ and ‘sacrifice’ of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru.
Endorsement of Gandhi-Irwin Pact: The Delhi Pact or Gandhi-Irwin Pact was endorsed.
Goal of Purna Swaraj: The goal of purna swaraj was reiterated.
Resolution on Fundamental Rights: Guaranteed—
Free speech and free press
Right to form associations
Right to assemble
Universal adult franchise
Equal legal rights irrespective of caste, creed, and sex
Neutrality of state in religious matters
Free and compulsory primary education
Protection to culture, language, script of minorities and linguistic groups
Resolution on National Economic Programme: Included—
Substantial reduction in rent and revenue for landholders and peasants
Exemption from rent for uneconomic holdings
Relief from agricultural indebtedness
Control of usury
Better conditions of work including a living wage, limited hours of work, and protection of women workers in the industrial sector
Right to workers and peasants to form unions
State ownership and control of key industries, mines, and means of transport
This was the first time the Congress spelled out what swaraj would mean for the masses—“in order to end exploitation of masses, political freedom must include economic freedom of starving millions.” The Karachi Resolution was to remain, in essence, the basic political and economic programme of the Congress in later years.
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