Rise of Socialism in Indian National Movement and it's Impact
The rise of socialist and communist trends within the Indian National Movement in 1920s and 30s can be attributed to several internal and external factors. This period was marked by deepening of political consensus and broadening of the struggle against British colonial rule influenced by global event such as Russian revolution and evolving socio-economic condition within India. One of the primary cause of rise of these was the stark of socio-economic disparities prevailing in the Indian society. The colonial economic policies had caused poverty, landlessness and unemployment creating and fertile ground for ideologies that promised social and economic equalities. Similarly the urban working class faced poor working condition, low wages and job insecurity. The socialist and communist ideologies with their emphasis on the right of the peasants and the workers, redistribution of wealth and end of exploitative practices resonated with discontented section of the society. The impact of these ideologies on the Indian National Movement was significant shaping its ideology and strategy during the crucial years leading up to India independence. The rise of the leftist ideologies infused the freedom struggle with the focus on social justice economic equality and the right of the working class and peasantry. The introduction of these ideas added a new dimension to the movement and provided an alternative vision for the post colonial India. This influence was evident through the emergence of various socialist and communist group and integration of leftist principle into the broader nationalist agenda. The Indian National Congress witness the rise of the socialist cause particularly with the rise of Congress Socialist Party 1934 with the leaders like Jai Parkash Narayan, Ram Monaohar Lohia and Narendra Dev. The influence of socialist and communist principle led to significant ideological shift with the national movement. This ideological shift was witness in the Karachi resolution of 1931, Faizpur Session of Congress 1936, formation of All Indian Kishan Sabha 1936 and National Planning Committee 1938. In the Karachi session congress passed the resolution for the fundamental rights including the rights such as minimum wages, right to form union and state ownership of key industries. Similarly in the Faizpur Session congress passed the resolution of agrarian program like reduction of revenue, abolition of forced labour and recognition to the peasants union.