Nationalist Response and World War II

1. Congress Crisis on Method of Struggle
- Gandhi observed rising corruption, indiscipline, and bogus membership in Congress organisation.
- He insisted on internal reform before launching any mass movement.
- He believed masses were not mentally prepared for a fresh confrontation.

2. Subhash Chandra Bose’s Position
- As Bengal PCC president, he mobilised youth and trade unions.
- Opposed Motilal Nehru Report for limiting goal to dominion status.
- Strong advocate of Poorna Swaraj; launched Independence League.
- Active in Salt Satyagraha; arrested.
- Opposed Gandhi-Irwin Pact and suspension of Civil Disobedience.

3. Haripura Session (1938)
- Bose unanimously elected Congress president.
- Emphasised revolutionary potential of Congress ministries.
- Promoted economic planning → led to creation of National Planning Committee.
- Supported democratic struggles in princely states.
- International tensions rising with approach of WWII.

4. 1939 Congress Presidential Election Crisis
- Bose contested again; Gandhi opposed candidature.
- Gandhi-supported Pattabhi Sitaramayya defeated (Bose: 1580 vs 1377).
- Bose backed by socialists and communists.

5. Tripuri Session (1939)
- Occurred near Jabalpur; Bose was ill but attended.
- Working Committee resigned refusing to serve under Bose.
- Bose unable to form a new Working Committee acceptable to Gandhi’s group.
- Ideological split deepened: Radical vs Gandhian line.
- Bose resigned in April 1939; Rajendra Prasad elected new president.

6. Outbreak of World War II (1939)
- Germany attacked Poland (Sept 1, 1939).
- Britain declared war (Sept 3) and included India without consulting Indians.

7. Congress Offer to Viceroy
Conditions for cooperation:
- Post-war Constituent Assembly to frame free India’s constitution.
- Immediate establishment of a responsible central government.
Viceroy Linlithgow rejected demands.

8. Debate at Wardha (CWC Meeting)
Positions:
- Gandhi: Moral support to Allies; opposed fascism; no embarrassment to Britain.
- Socialists (Bose, JP, Acharya Narendra Dev): Opposed both sides; both imperialist.
- Nehru: Anti-fascist; sympathised with Britain but refused Indian participation without freedom.
Final CWC stand:
- Condemned fascist aggression.
- Declared India cannot fight for democracy while being denied democracy.

9. Government Response
- Linlithgow refused clarity on war aims.
- Attempted to use Muslim League & princes to isolate Congress.
- Promised future consultations but no meaningful concessions.
Hidden agenda:
- restrict civil liberties using wartime powers.
- invoke Defence of India Ordinance (1939).
- prepare secret pre-emptive strikes on Congress (1940).

10. Congress Ministries Resign (October 1939)
- CWC rejected viceroy’s statement.
- Refused to support war.
- Ordered Congress ministries to resign in all provinces → major political turning point.

11. Debate on Mass Satyagraha
Gandhian reasons against immediate struggle:
- Allied cause seen as just.
- Fear of communal disturbances.
- Weak organisational condition.
- Masses not ready.
Alternative strategy:
- Strengthen organisation, continue negotiations, await right timing.

12. Ramgarh Session (March 1940)
- President: Maulana Azad.
- Agreed: a struggle must be launched; timing & form left to Gandhi.
- Gandhi: non-violent moral support to Britain possible, but refused full backing.
- Nehru: insisted complete independence must be precondition.
- Bose: called for direct anti-colonial action; “Britain’s difficulty, India’s opportunity.”
- Congress declared: nothing short of Poorna Swaraj acceptable.

13. Lahore Resolution (March 1940)
- Muslim League demanded:
  - Grouping of NW & Eastern Muslim-majority areas.
  - Formation of autonomous and sovereign Muslim-majority states.
  - Safeguards for Muslims in minority areas.
- Later known as the “Pakistan Resolution”.
 

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Subject: Modern History

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