Emergence of Swarajists and No-Changers

Introduction

Following the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement, India experienced a vibrant period characterized by the emergence of various political factions and ideologies. Among these were the Swarajists, who advocated for participating in legislative councils within the British framework to achieve self-rule incrementally. 

Swarajists and No-Changers in the Indian National Movement

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Swarajists: Approach to Legislative Councils in Colonial India

• Strategy of the Swarajists: Those advocating entry into legislative councils came to be known as the ‘Swarajists’.
• • They aimed to use these councils to expose its weaknesses and use them as a platform for political struggle.
  • They stressed that council entry wouldn’t negate non-cooperation but would open a new front and enthuse the masses.
  • Stood against transforming colonial rule but intended to use councils as arenas for political struggle.
• Leaders: C.R. Das, Motilal Nehru,Hakim Ajmal Khan, Vithalbhai Patel, Lala Lajpat Rai, M.M. Malviya, M.R. Jayakar, N.C. Kelkar. 
• Swarajist Manifesto for Elections (1923)
• • Strong anti-imperialist stance, highlighting British selfish interests in India.
  • Demanded self-government, and threatened consistent obstruction in councils if demands were rejected.

No-Changers: Approach to Constructive Resistance in Colonial India

• Advocating for Constructive Resistance: Opposed council entry, emphasizing constructive work, continuation of boycotts, and quiet preparation for civil disobedience. 
• Feared parliamentary work would dilute revolutionary zeal, lead to neglect of constructive activities, and encourage political corruption.
• Leaders: C. Rajagopalachari, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Rajendra Prasad, M.A. Ansari.

Compromise & Challenges Between Swarajists and No Changers 

• Unity and Compromise: Both factions avoided a split, sought Gandhi’s leadership, and compromised at the Delhi meeting in 1923.
  • Swarajists were allowed to contest elections within the Congress but with the difference of joining legislative councils.
• Gandhi‘s Position: Initially opposed council entry but gradually reconciled with Swarajists after their electoral success.
  • Recognized Swarajist’s commitment and functioned uncompromisingly within councils.
  • Showed solidarity with Swarajists amid a government crackdown, leading to their alignment.
• Swarajist Activity in Councils
  • Achieved significant wins, outvoting the government, and passing motions.
  • Advocated for self-government, civil liberties, and industrialization.
  • Despite successes, weakened due to communal tensions, internal splits, and government strategies to divide them.
• Drawbacks of Swarajists
• • Achieved notable victories in legislative bodies but lacked coordination with mass movements.
  • Failed to resist perks of power, lost support due to failure in supporting peasants’ causes and communal interests.

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No-Changer’s Constructive Work

• Focused on Constructive Activities: Education, promoting khadi, Hindu-Muslim unity, fighting untouchability, flood relief, etc.
• These efforts formed the backbone of civil disobedience, engaging various sections of society.

• Critique of Constructive Work

  • National education primarily benefited certain classes; 
  • khadi’s cost hindered its popularization.
  • Neglected economic grievances of the marginalized while addressing social issues.

Conclusion

• The Swarajists and the No Changers both played significant roles in India’s struggle for independence. 
• The Swarajists’ achievement lay in their strategic utilization of legislative councils to further the cause of self-rule, while the No Changers’ commitment to constructive work and civil disobedience preparation bolstered the movement’s grassroots strength. However, both factions faced challenges and failures. 
• Ultimately, their ability to maintain unity, seek compromise, and remain steadfast in their commitment to India’s freedom were crucial contributions to the larger struggle against British colonial rule.

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