The Swarajists Struggle: Causes, Ideology and Consequences
The Swaraj party was founded in 1923 as a result of changing circumstances within Indian national movement. It rise is closely associated to the debate over strategy after the suspension of non-cooperation movement. The abrupt suspension of movement led to the emerge of two groups within the congress i.e. No-Changers, who wanted to continue constructive work and Pro-Changers who supported the program of council entry. The party was formally established with the name Congress Khalifat Swaraj Party on 1st Jan 1923 by Motilal Nehru and Siyadas. The primary objective of party was attainment of Swaraj i.e. self rule for India within the British empire. The party sought to use the legislative council as a platform for the constructive opposition to British colonialism. They aim to exposed the limitation and exploitative nature of the British policies through debates and legislative obstruction. The most distinctive aspect of the Swaraj party program was it's decision to contest election for the legislative council. Once elected the members of party would adopt the policy of responsive cooperation, which means that they would cooperate with the government of if it was responsive to their demands otherwise they would obstruct it's functioning to force the reforms. One of the most immediate achievement of Swaraj party was it's success in 1923 election to the central legislative assembly and various provincial legislative council. In central assembly they secured 42/141 elected seats while in the provincial assembly of Bengal, central provinces, Bombay and Union Province they perform well. The electoral success demonstrated significant public support for their approach and provided them with a platform to challenge the British policies from within the legislative framework. The entry of the Swaraj party into the legislative council transformed the political dynamics of the council. In the central legislative the Swarajists force the appointment of a committee to enquire into the defects of the act of 1919 and to suggest remedies. The committee was formed under Sir Alexander Muddiman with 4 Indian members i.e. Sir Sivaswami Aiyer, Dr. RP Pranjpaye, Sir Tej Bhadhur Sobru and Md. Ali Zina. The Swaraj parties legislative activism also had a significant impact on the discourse surrounding the key national issue. They used their position in the council to advocate reforms such as reduction in land revenue, tax relief for the Indians and the policies supporting Indian industries and agriculture. The working of the Swaraj party was so efficient that Gandhi after his release from the prison on 5th Feb 1924 supported the struggle of the party. In congress session at Ahmedabad in June 1924, Gandhi proposed:
- Making spinning a minimum qualification for congress membership
- Condoning revolutionary activities in Bengal. The first proposal was rejected but second was passed. In March 1925, the Swarajist succeeded in electing Vital Bhai Patel as the president of the central legislative council. In the same year Motilal Nehru accepted the membership of Skeen Committee form under the chairmanship of Andrew Skeen to report upon the Indianization of the army.