Quit India Movement: Overview, Underground Resistance & Parallel Governments

Introduction

The Quit India Movement, also known as the August Movement, was a significant civil disobedience movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress during World War II. It aimed to demand an end to British colonial rule in India. Launched on August 8, 1942, the movement called for the British to “Quit India” and leave India to its people. It saw widespread participation from Indians across the country, leading to mass protests, strikes, and acts of civil disobedience. 

Overview of the Quit India Movement

• Factors Leading to the Launch of the Quit India Movement: 
  • Failure of the Cripps Mission, 
  • Discontent due to wartime inflation, 
  • Fears of a scorched earth policy in Assam, Bengal, and Orissa against potential Japanese advancement, 
  • News of British defeats in South-East Asia, coupled with the looming threat of a British collapse, increased public readiness to express dissatisfaction. 
• The Quit India Resolution: The Congress Working Committee authorized Gandhiji to lead a non-violent mass movement against the British. 
  • This is known as the  Quit India resolution.
  • The resolution was proposed by Nehru, seconded by Sardar Patel and  ratified at the Congress meeting at Gowalia Tank, Bombay, on August 8, 1942.
• Demands 
  • Immediate cessation of British rule in India.
  • Pledge of free India to defend against fascism and imperialism.
  • Establishment of a provisional Government of India post-British withdrawal.
  • Sanctioning a civil disobedience movement against British rule.
• “Do or Die” mantra was given by Gandhiji to various sections, thereby launching the Quit India Movement.

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• Government’s Response
• • Congress Leaders Arrested: On August 9, 1942, All top Congress leaders were arrested and transported to undisclosed locations.
  • Aruna Asaf Ali presided over the Congress committee session on August 9 and hoisted the national flag.
  • Unlawfulness of Congress Committees: Congress Working Committee, All India Congress Committee, and Provincial Congress Committees declared unlawful under the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1908.

Underground Resistance and Parallel Governments

• Underground Activity: 
  • Usha Mehta was a Gandhian and freedom fighter of India. 
  • She organized the Congress Radio, an underground radio station, which functioned for a few months during the Quit India Movement of 1942.
  • To elude the authorities, the organizers moved the station’s location almost daily. [UPSC 2011]
  • This phase of underground activity was meant to sustain public morale, provide guidance, and distribute arms and ammunition.

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Parallel Governments During Quit India Movement

Mass Participation in Quit India Movement

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Conclusion

• The Quit India Movement of 1942 stands as a pivotal moment in India’s struggle for independence characterised by mass mobilization, civil disobedience, and a unified demand for freedom from British colonial rule. 
• Despite facing severe repression and arrests, the movement galvanized the spirit of nationalism and paved the way for India’s eventual independence in 1947. Its legacy continues to inspire movements for justice and self-determination worldwide.

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