The Swarajist Manifesto for Elections
Swarajist Manifesto from October 1923, which criticized British reforms and aimed for self-government in councils. Understand Gandhi’s changing attitude towards the Swarajists, their legislative activities, achievements, and the challenges they faced, including internal divisions and political drawbacks. Learn how the Swarajists influenced Indian politics during their active years and their eventual integration into the broader nationalist movement.
- Released in October 1923, the Swarajist manifesto adopted a strong anti-imperialist stance.
- It argued that British governance in India was driven by selfish interests, not the welfare of Indians.
- The so-called reforms were seen as a façade to continue exploiting India's resources while keeping the population subservient.
- The manifesto declared that Swarajists would demand self-government in the councils, and if rejected, would obstruct the councils' functioning.
- The goal was to create deadlocks in the councils, making effective governance impossible.
Gandhi’s Attitude
- Initially opposed to the Swarajist proposal, Gandhi gradually moved towards reconciliation after his release from prison in February 1924.
- He recognized that public opposition to council entry could be counterproductive.
- The success of the Swarajists in the November 1923 elections, where they won 42 out of 141 seats, convinced Gandhi of their commitment to the nationalist cause.
- After a government crackdown on revolutionary terrorists and Swarajists in late 1924, Gandhi expressed solidarity with the Swarajists.
- In December 1924, at the Belgaum Congress session, both sides agreed that the Swarajists would work in the councils as an integral part of the Congress.
Swarajist Activity in Councils
- The Swarajists' position weakened over time due to widespread communal riots and internal splits along communal and responsivist-non-responsivist lines.
- The government successfully divided the Swarajists, reducing their effectiveness by separating militant members from moderates and Hindus from Muslims.
- The death of C.R. Das in 1925 further weakened the party.
- Responsivists like Lala Lajpat Rai, Madan Mohan Malaviya, and N.C. Kelkar advocated cooperation with the government, which led to further divisions within the party.
- In March 1926, the main Swarajist leadership withdrew from the legislatures, while others participated in the 1926 elections with limited success.
- By 1930, the Swarajists had largely disbanded, with members joining the broader nationalist movement, especially after the Lahore Congress resolution on purna swaraj and the start of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Achievements
- The Swarajists, with coalition partners, successfully out-voted the government several times, including on budgetary matters.
- They used the councils as a platform to advocate for self-government, civil liberties, and industrialization.
- Vithalbhai Patel was elected speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly in 1925.
- They played a key role in defeating the Public Safety Bill in 1928, which aimed to deport undesirable foreigners spreading socialist and communist ideas.
- The Swarajists helped fill the political vacuum while the national movement was regaining its strength.
- They exposed the weaknesses of the Montford Reforms and demonstrated that the councils could be used creatively.
Drawbacks
- The Swarajists lacked a coherent strategy to coordinate their legislative militancy with mass struggle outside.
- They relied heavily on newspaper reporting to communicate with the public, limiting their reach.
- Their obstructionist tactics had inherent limitations and often led to deadlock without yielding significant results.
- Conflicting ideas among coalition partners further weakened their effectiveness.
- Some Swarajists succumbed to the perks and privileges of power, leading to political corruption.
- They failed to support the peasants' cause in Bengal, losing support among Muslim members.
