Debates on Future Strategy after Civil Disobedience Movement
After the Civil Disobedience Movement ended, nationalists debated the next steps in two stages.
I. First Stage of Debate – Three Views
1️⃣ Gandhian Approach – Focus on constructive work (social reforms, rural upliftment).
2️⃣ Constitutional Approach – Participate in elections and council work because:
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It would keep political interest alive.
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It did not mean accepting British rule.
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It would strengthen the Congress for future struggles.
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A strong presence in councils could act as a political pressure tool.
3️⃣ Leftist Approach (Nehru’s View) – Opposed both constructive work and elections.
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Felt they would distract from mass struggle against British rule.
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Nehru believed in abolishing capitalism and establishing socialism.
II. Nehru’s Opposition to Gandhi’s Strategy
🔹 Gandhi followed the Struggle-Truce-Struggle (S-T-S) Strategy – A phase of mass struggle followed by a truce, allowing people to recover before the next movement.
🔹 Nehru opposed this and suggested Struggle-Victory (S-V) Strategy, where the struggle should continue until complete success.
III. Congress Finally Agrees to Council Entry
✅ In May 1934, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) decided to participate in elections.
✅ In November 1934 elections, Congress won 45 out of 75 seats in the Central Legislative Assembly.
This marked a shift towards constitutional methods while still preparing for future mass struggles.